China's Tianwen-3 mission chief designer Liu Jizhong, also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) Photo: VCG

China's Tianwen-3 mission, which aims to carry out a Mars sample return, has achieved breakthrough results in relevant key technologies, mission chief designer Liu Jizhong, who is also a deputy to the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) told reporters on Thursday. According to Liu, the main engineering line is currently carrying out the development of initial prototypes, with plans to transition into the formal prototype development phase this year, and all work is progressing smoothly.

"The Tianwen-3 mission is a highly challenging, innovative and leading major aerospace project. It is expected to achieve humanity's first Mars sample return, greatly promoting the high-quality integrated development of space science, space technology and space applications, while fully demonstrating the creativity of the Chinese nation and its international influence," Liu said, according to the Paper.

Elaborating on the mission, Liu outlined that the Tianwen-3 covers three aspects -engineering, technology and science. Engineering efforts include developing the orbiter, returner, lander, ascender and servicer to form key assemblies. Technologically, it targets breakthroughs in Mars surface sampling/encapsulation, takeoff and ascent, orbital rendezvous, sample transfer, and planetary protection to support future missions. Scientifically, it aims to search for signs of life, study Martian geology and internal structure, probe processes of Martian atmospheric circulation and escape, and yield breakthroughs in planetary habitability evolution.

Liu also extended a warm invitation to domestic and international scientists to collaborate on research and push forward deep-space exploration.

"The Earth is humanity's cradle, but we cannot stay in the cradle forever." With long-term stays in near-Earth orbit already achieved, he also expressed confidence that humans will set foot on Mars in the not-too-distant future.

In the meantime, other projects within China's deep space exploration missions are advancing as planned. 

Liu said that the Tianwen-2 mission, launched in 2025, has already traveled approximately 700 million kilometers and is scheduled to arrive at the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 this year to begin companion exploration. 


Global Times