The successful launch of China's "Tianwen-2" has initiated the asteroid sampling and comet exploration mission.

Foreign Media: China's "Tianwen-2" Launches to Carry Out Asteroid Sample Return Mission

China successfully launched the "Tianwen-2" probe at 01:31 on May 29 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Changzheng-3B rocket, embarking on an asteroid sample return mission aimed at advancing research in planetary science, resource utilization, and space defense.

About 18 minutes after the rocket lifted off, the probe was successfully placed on an Earth transfer orbit heading toward the asteroid 2016 HO3, with its solar panels deploying smoothly, marking the success of the launch mission.

The Tianwen-2's first target is the quasi-satellite of Earth, the asteroid 469219 Kamo'oalewa, suspected to be lunar debris. The plan is to collect samples from its rapidly rotating surface and bring them back to Earth by the end of 2027. Subsequently, the probe will use Earth's gravity boost to continue flying towards the comet 311P/PANSTARRS, located in the asteroid belt and possessing multiple dust tails, conducting scientific exploration of its orbit, structure, composition, and more over a seven-year period.

Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1833443365933124/

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