China’s Tianwen-2 Mission

Current Context : China is set to launch its ambitious Tianwen-2 mission on May 29, 2025, aiming to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa.

ABOUT Tianwen-2 Mission

• Launch Vehicle: Long March 3B/E
• Launch Site: Xichang Satellite Launch Center
• Mission Duration: ~10 years
• Target Object: Asteroid 469219 Kamo‘oalewa
  • Quasi-satellite discovered in 2016.
  • Appears to orbit Earth due to its unique orbit.
  • Believed to be made of lunar material ejected via collision.
• Mission Objectives:
  • Survey asteroid surface.
  • Return samples (≥100g) to Earth.
  • Continue to main asteroid belt for comet 311P/PANSTARRS study.