China's latest space odyssey is ready for launch this Thursday! The Tianwen-2 mission is set to embark on an exciting 9.5-year journey, tackling multiple deep-space tasks in one go. This mission will first perform a flyby and sample-return operation to near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3, often nicknamed Earth’s "quasi-satellite" because of its stable orbit and its status as a cosmic time capsule from the early solar system.
By retrieving samples from asteroid 2016 HO3, scientists hope to unlock secrets about our solar system’s origins. Imagine unearthing material that has remained unchanged for billions of years—it’s like stepping into a real-life sci-fi adventure! 🚀
After the sample-return phase, Tianwen-2 will continue its exploration with a flyby of comet 311P, orbiting in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. This fascinating object blurs the lines between asteroids and comets, and its investigation is expected to fill critical gaps in our understanding of small celestial bodies.
All pre-launch preparations are proceeding smoothly at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest the Chinese mainland. With its blend of scientific discovery and adventurous spirit, Tianwen-2 is poised to become a milestone in deep space exploration. Stay tuned as we follow this journey beyond the stars! ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
