8.09.2024

China is gearing up for the Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission around 2028. CGTN's Wu Lei spoke to Liu Jizhong, chief designer of China's Tianwen 3 mission, for details of the plan. 

WU LEI  CGTN Reporter "How is China's Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission progressing? What are some of the challenges ahead?"

LIU JIZHONG Chief Designer, China's Mars Sample-Return Mission "We have done many optimizations and upgrading during the demonstration process. So, it should be carried out with two Long March 5 carrier rockets – basically, it will be continuous launches. Then all the samples can finally return. 

The sample return mission still faces many challenges. First of all, it's the issue of landing accuracy. Secondly, the return mission requires launch from the surface of Mars. It is actually a small rocket launch. Therefore, it would be very difficult to ensure the entire flight is reliable. Thirdly, the temperature of Mars is relatively low, which poses a challenge to the propellants being used in our current rockets."

WU LEI CGTN Reporter "What's the plan for international cooperation projects on the Tianwen-3 Mars mission?"

LIU JIZHONG Chief Designer, China's Mars Sample-Return Mission "International cooperation has always been an important part of China's deep space exploration. Throughout the process, we've been working together with our international fellow scientists. 

Meanwhile, we have set aside certain resources for international payloads. Basically, we kept 25 kilograms for the orbiter and 5 kilograms for the service orbiter. Many international scientific research institutions and universities have expressed great interest – including Russia, Europe and some other countries. 

Other forms of international cooperation include data cooperation, such as data sharing, including joint research on the samples."

WU LEI CGTN Reporter "When will China plan for the crewed Mars mission?"

LIU JIZHONG Chief Designer, China's Mars Sample-Return Mission "Now we are working on the manned lunar landing mission, and it's progressing smoothly. In fact, one of the goals of the manned lunar landing mission is to carry out relevant research through the implementation of landing humans on the lunar surface, and then go to Mars. Therefore, it is definitely possible for us humans to land on the Mars." 

Quelle: CGTN