China’s space agency, CNSA, is set to launch its Tianwen-2 mission in May aboard the Long March 3B rocket from Xichang Space Center. This mission marks China’s first foray into asteroid sample return, targeting the enigmatic asteroid Kamo’olewa. Alongside asteroid exploration, Tianwen-2 will extend its journey to Comet 311P/PanSTARRS, expanding the scope of China’s solar system research. The mission builds upon the successes of Tianwen-1, demonstrating the nation’s growing expertise in space exploration.
Previously, China’s space missions predominantly focused on lunar and Martian exploration. With Tianwen-2, the agency is expanding its portfolio to include near-Earth objects, aligning with global scientific interests in asteroid studies. This expansion not only diversifies China’s space research but also leverages the technological advancements achieved through earlier missions, such as Tianwen-1.
Mission Objectives
Tianwen-2 is designed to perform two primary tasks: sampling asteroid 469219 Kamo’olewa and conducting a flyby of Comet 311P/PanSTARRS. The mission aims to collect approximately 100 grams of asteroid material using a touch-and-go technique, complemented by an anchor-and-attach method. This dual approach is intended to enhance sample retrieval efficiency, providing critical data on the asteroid’s composition and geological history.
Technical Challenges
“Kamo’olewa will be the smallest asteroid visited by a spacecraft, and also the one with the shortest rotation period,”
stated Marco Fenucci from the European Space Agency’s Near-Earth Objects Coordination Centre. The asteroid’s rapid 27-minute rotation poses significant challenges for sample collection techniques. Additionally, the Yarkovsky and YORP effects, which influence the asteroid’s orbit and spin rate, require precise navigational adjustments. The presence of regolith, as indicated by low thermal inertia, also complicates the interaction between the spacecraft and the asteroid’s surface.
Mission Timeline
Tianwen-2 is scheduled to rendezvous with Kamo’olewa in 2026, with a targeted departure in 2027. The spacecraft aims to return the collected samples to Earth by late 2027. Subsequently, the mission will proceed to explore Comet 311P/PanSTARRS, reaching the comet by 2034. This timeline reflects the mission’s comprehensive approach to studying multiple celestial bodies, ensuring a broad range of scientific data upon its completion.
The Tianwen-2 mission represents a pivotal advancement in China’s space exploration efforts, expanding its investigative reach into asteroid and cometary studies. By successfully conducting a sample return mission, Tianwen-2 could significantly contribute to our understanding of near-Earth objects and their origins. Furthermore, the mission’s outcomes may influence future international collaborations and the development of more sophisticated space exploration technologies.
- Tianwen-2 mission to launch in May on Long March 3B rocket.
- Targets asteroid Kamo’olewa and Comet 311P/PanSTARRS.
- Sample return expected by 2027, facing technical challenges.
