China is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission to Mars with the planned launch of Tianwen-3 in 2028. This ambitious Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission aims to collect Martian soil and rock samples and return them to Earth by 2031, potentially ahead of similar missions by NASA and the European Space Agency.

Mission Overview

Tianwen-3 is designed to be launched in two stages using Long March 5 rockets from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in southern China. The first launch will deliver a lander and ascent vehicle to the Martian surface, while the second will deploy an orbiter and Earth-return module. The lander will collect samples using a drill and robotic arm, and the ascent vehicle will transport these samples to the orbiter, which will then return them to Earth.

Scientific Objectives

The primary scientific goals of Tianwen-3 include:

Search for Signs of Life: Investigating potential traces of life on Mars. Geological Studies: Exploring Martian geology and internal structural characteristics. Atmospheric Research: Studying the atmospheric circulation and escape processes of Mars. Evolution of Habitability: Making significant discoveries in the evolution of habitability on terrestrial planets.

The mission will carry six domestic scientific payloads, including instruments for surface composition analysis, atmospheric studies, and geological mapping.

International Collaboration

In March 2025, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) opened the Tianwen-3 mission to international collaboration. Research institutions worldwide were invited to propose scientific payloads for inclusion on the spacecraft. A total of 15 kilograms of payload capacity is allocated on the Earth-return spacecraft, and another 5 kilograms are available on the Mars orbiter for partner payloads. Proposals were due by June 30, 2025, with final selections expected by October 2025.

Implications for Space Exploration

The successful execution of Tianwen-3 would mark China as a leader in planetary exploration, potentially returning Martian samples to Earth ahead of other space agencies. This mission not only aims to advance scientific understanding of Mars but also demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in deep space exploration.

As the launch window approaches, the global scientific community eagerly anticipates the potential discoveries that Tianwen-3 could unveil about the Red Planet’s history and its capacity to support life.()

!Artist’s impression of Tianwen-3 mission()

Image Caption: Artist’s impression of China’s Tianwen-3 Mars Sample Return mission.