China Launches Tianwen-2 to Bring Back Asteroid Samples

• 30 May 2025

On 29th May 2025, China launched the Tianwen-2 spacecraft aboard a Long March 3-B rocket to collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and explore main-belt comet 311P in a major step toward interplanetary exploration.

Key Points

• Mission Goals: Tianwen-2 will retrieve samples from asteroid 2016HO3 (return expected in ~2 years) and later fly by comet 311P to study early solar system materials.
• Scientific Significance: The asteroid may hold clues to Earth's formation and the origin of water due to its stable orbit and ancient composition.
• Launch Details: Lift-off took place from southern China under the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
• Long-Term Vision: Tianwen-2 is part of China’s decade-long interplanetary roadmap, which includes a future Jupiter mission (Tianwen-4).
• International Collaboration: China has invited global cooperation but faces legal restrictions from the U.S. due to NASA-related bans.
• China’s Space Presence: Operates the Tiangong space station, landed on Mars and the Moon’s far side, and plans a crewed lunar mission before 2030.