How China could become the first country to bring back Mars samples by 2031

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China’s space agency is aiming to achieve a historic feat. By 2031, it could become the first to return Mars samples to Earth. This ambitious mission, named Tianwen-3, is set to launch in 2028.

Mission Details and Timeline

The plan was detailed in the National Science Review journal's November issue. Researchers from China’s Deep Space Exploration Laboratory shared the roadmap for the mission. The Tianwen-3 mission involves a lander, ascent vehicle, orbiter, and return module. It may also include advanced tools like a helicopter and a six-legged robot. These would collect Martian samples away from the lander site.

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Landing Sites with Scientific Promise

Jizhong Liu, the chief designer of Tianwen-3, confirmed progress at a September space conference. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is currently considering 86 landing sites. Most of these are in Mars’ Chryse Planitia and Utopia Planitia regions. Chryse Planitia is a flat plain near the planet’s northern equator. Utopia Planitia, meanwhile, is the largest impact basin on Mars.

These sites were selected for two key reasons: safe landing conditions and scientific potential. The rocks and sediments there might hold signs of ancient life. Researchers believe the region could preserve vital clues about Mars' history.

China’s Growing Space Achievements

If Tianwen-3 stays on track, the mission would outperform NASA and the European Space Agency. The joint Mars Sample Return mission, planned for the 2030s, has been delayed. NASA now expects its lander to launch in 2035, with samples arriving in 2040. This delay gives China a nearly decade-long lead.

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Martian rocks returned by Tianwen-3 will undergo detailed study. Researchers will analyse their elemental makeup using mass spectrometry. Isotopic analysis will examine variations in elements for signs of past life.

China’s recent successes in space exploration signal its growing ambitions. Earlier this year, the Chang’e-6 mission brought samples from the moon’s far side. Early findings revealed volcanic activity on the lunar surface 2.8 billion years ago.

With Tianwen-3, China hopes to take its next giant leap. If successful, it could reshape the understanding of Mars and its ancient history.