Archive · 20 May 2025
China to Launch Tianwen-2 Spacecraft for Asteroid Exploration
China is launching a spacecraft called Tianwen-2 to explore space!
This mission will visit a small space rock called an asteroid, and then go on to visit a comet.
The spacecraft will try to grab some dust and dirt from the asteroid to bring back to Earth.
This will help scientists learn about how planets were made a long, long time ago.
The spacecraft will use a rocket to get into space and will use special tools, like cameras and other instruments to study the asteroid and comet.
China already brought back samples from the moon and is planning more missions in the future!
China is launching the Tianwen-2 spacecraft for its first interplanetary sample-return mission.
The spacecraft will target asteroid 2016 HO3 (Kamooalewa), a near-Earth asteroid.
Tianwen-2 will use a mechanical arm to collect samples from the asteroid's surface.
The mission is expected to return at least 100 grams of material to Earth in about two and a half years.
The spacecraft will also journey to study comet 311P.
- Who
- China.
- What
- China is launching the Tianwen-2 spacecraft.
- When
- Likely at the end of May.
- Where
- The mission will be launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.
- Why
- To collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and to study a comet.
- Spacecraft Name
- Tianwen-2
- Target Asteroid
- 2016 HO3 (Kamooalewa)
- Launch Location
- Xichang Satellite Launch Centre
- Expected Sample Return
- At least 100 grams
- Additional Target
- Comet 311P
- Mission Goal
- Asteroid Sample Return and Comet Study