China has initiated its first asteroid-sampling mission with the launch of the Tianwen-2 probe aboard a Long March-3B rocket. The mission aims to collect samples from the asteroid 2016HO3, with a projected arrival date of July 2026 and a return of samples to Earth by November 2027. This mission underscores China's aspirations in space exploration, following significant investments in its space program, including the establishment of a space station and plans for crewed lunar missions by 2030. Successful completion of this mission could position China as the third country to retrieve asteroid material.
China has launched its first asteroid-sampling mission with the Tianwen-2 probe, aiming to retrieve samples from asteroid 2016HO3, marking a significant milestone in its space program.
The Tianwen-2 spacecraft is set to reach asteroid 2016HO3 by July 2026, collecting samples to return to Earth by November 2027, further highlighting China's ambitions in space exploration.
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