China's Tianwen-2 probe reaches asteroid after 1-billion-km journey
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
China's Tianwen-2 space probe has arrived at its target asteroid after traveling 1 billion kilometers over more than a year, the China National Space Administration said Monday. The spacecraft will collect samples and return them to Earth for research.
The Mission
Tianwen-2, launched in 2024, is China's first asteroid sample-return mission. The probe targeted a near-Earth asteroid, though its name was not disclosed. The journey covered 1 billion kilometers (620 million miles) over 15 months.
Sample Collection Plan
The probe will spend several months surveying the asteroid before attempting to collect samples using a robotic arm. It aims to bring back at least 100 grams of material. The return to Earth is expected around 2028.
1 source
Time · lag behind first