Hey space fans! China is calling on researchers worldwide to pitch creative payload proposals for its Mars sample return mission, Tianwen-3, set to launch around 2028. 🚀
This ambitious mission is a major milestone in China's planetary exploration program. The Tianwen-3 spacecraft will be a high-tech marvel, featuring a lander, an ascent vehicle, a service module, an orbiter, and a return module. It carries six scientific payloads, including a Raman fluorescence spectrometer, an ultra-wideband exploration radar, a mid-infrared superfine imaging spectrometer, a Mars global multicolor camera, a descent ENA aurora detector, and a high-precision vector magnetometer.
The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has invited proposals from overseas research institutions, including those in Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. However, every payload project must be led by a domestic institution and can involve no more than five collaborating entities. This approach ensures focused and effective teamwork.
In a recent update, CNSA offered payload resources for international cooperation with up to 15 kilograms available on the orbiter and 5 kilograms on the service module. The primary goal? To search for signs of life on Mars, while also delving into the Martian climate, geology, and internal processes.
This is an exciting opportunity for young researchers, tech enthusiasts, and space lovers everywhere to contribute to a groundbreaking exploration project. Stay tuned as we count down to 2028 and beyond! ✨
Reference(s):
China invites overseas payload proposals for Mars sampling mission
cgtn.com
