China launches a new mission to Mars aimed at exploring the surface of the red planet

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has announced a new endeavor aimed at exploring Mars, known as Tianwen-3. The launch is scheduled for 2028 and consists of a double launch of two Long March 5 rockets that will send equipment to collect samples from Mars. The Tianwen-3 mission represents a new phase of China's space exploration program following the success of the previous Tianwen-1 mission, which provided important information about the surface of Mars.

The goal of the Tianwen-3 mission is to collect soil samples from Mars and return them to Earth for further analysis. Collecting samples from Mars is crucial for detecting possible signs of life, as the samples will be analyzed for traces of water and other elements necessary for the development of microorganisms. According to mission leader Liu Jizhong, the main scientific goal of Tianwen-3 is to search for evidence of life. The mission will focus on sedimentary and hydrothermal systems on Mars that could be suitable locations for the development of life in the past or present, making sample collection from such regions particularly important.

Technology developed based on Tianwen-1

The technology that will be used for the Tianwen-3 mission is based on the successes of the previous Tianwen-1 mission. During the Tianwen-1 mission, the Chinese space agency successfully sent the Zhurong rover to the surface of Mars, which provided important data about the planet's surface. The Tianwen-3 mission will include landing and ascent modules, as well as an orbiter and return module that will ensure the samples' return to Earth. This is a key phase in China's space program, and engineers are working to improve the technology for successful sample collection and return, which represents one of the biggest challenges in exploring Mars.

In addition to the rover itself, the mission will also include additional innovations such as an exploration helicopter and a six-legged robot for collecting samples from outside the main landing site. The helicopter and robot will allow for sample collection from various locations on Mars, increasing the chances of discovering signs of life. All stages of the mission, from launch to return, will be conducted in accordance with international regulations on planetary protection to avoid contamination of Earth or Mars during the sample return.

International cooperation and the scientific community

The Chinese space agency has emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the Tianwen-3 mission. According to statements from CNSA, China plans to share samples and scientific data with the international community, allowing scientists from around the world to participate in the analysis and exploration of Mars. This cooperation is not new, as China has previously shared samples from the Moon collected during the Chang'e-5 mission with international research institutions. Through such cooperation, the goal is to make new discoveries available to the entire scientific community to enhance our knowledge of the red planet and the potential for life on it.

The Chinese government has also expressed a desire to establish a Mars research station in collaboration with other countries and scientific institutions in the future. This includes conducting studies and designing planned implementations that would ensure the successful operation of such a station in the conditions prevailing on Mars. Although it is still early for more concrete plans, this represents a crucial step towards a long-term human presence on Mars.

Challenges and safety measures

The Tianwen-3 mission poses numerous challenges for Chinese space engineers, including sample collection, launching from the Martian surface, and docking in orbit. One of the biggest challenges will undoubtedly be the successful return of samples to Earth, with strict implementation of planetary protection measures. The China National Space Administration has announced that the mission will follow all international guidelines for planetary protection to avoid contamination of both Mars and Earth during sample return. These measures are essential as any careless actions could jeopardize not only the scientific data but also the environments of both Earth and Mars.

The Tianwen-3 mission is also taking place within the context of a global space race, involving numerous countries including the United States. NASA is also planning its own sample return mission from Mars, but the Chinese mission could be the first to successfully return samples. Samples from Mars could bring revolutionary discoveries about the history of Mars and the possibility of microbial life, thus representing an important step in understanding the evolution of planets in the solar system.

The Chinese Tianwen-3 mission represents a crucial step in the exploration of Mars and may potentially yield new insights into the history of the red planet and the possibility of life existing on it. The mission is scheduled for 2028 and consists of two launch phases that will incorporate innovative technologies such as a helicopter and a six-legged robot for sample collection. With international cooperation and significant involvement from the scientific community, the Tianwen-3 mission could become a pivotal moment in space exploration and open up new opportunities for further study of Mars.