China's Tianwen-2 Mission Aims to Shed Light on Asteroid Origins and Evolution

China launched its first asteroid sample-return mission, Tianwen-2, to shed light on the formation and evolution of asteroids and the early solar system. The mission aims to collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and explore main-belt comet 311P. The probe will journey for a year to reach the first target, and after sampling, it will fly back to Earth, with a return capsule expected to deliver the samples. The mission represents a significant step in China's interplanetary exploration and is expected to advance understanding of the origins, evolution, and characteristics of small celestial bodies.

China has embarked on its first asteroid sample-return mission with the launch of the Tianwen-2 probe on May 28, 2025. The mission, which aims to collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and explore main-belt comet 311P, marks a significant milestone in China's interplanetary exploration [1].

The Tianwen-2 probe, launched by a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, is expected to take approximately one year to reach its first target, the asteroid 2016HO3, also known as Kamo’oalewa. The mission is scheduled to collect samples from the asteroid and return them to Earth by 2027 [2].

The asteroid 2016HO3, discovered in 2016, is a quasi-satellite of Earth, characterized by its unusual orbital dynamics. It is believed to be a remnant of the lunar surface that was blasted away by an asteroid impact. Studying samples from this asteroid could provide critical insights into the formation and evolution of the Earth-moon system [1].

Following its sampling mission, Tianwen-2 will depart 2016HO3 and head towards the main-belt comet 311P/PANSTARRS. The spacecraft is expected to reach the comet in 2034 and will go into orbit around it, making it one of the few spacecraft to orbit two distinct objects in the solar system [1].

The mission represents a significant step in China's interplanetary exploration and is expected to advance our understanding of the origins, evolution, and characteristics of small celestial bodies. The successful return of asteroid samples will allow scientists to conduct detailed chemical and physical analyses, providing valuable data that could not be obtained through remote observations alone [2].

References:
[1] https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/05/tianwen-2-launch/
[2] https://www.upi.com/Science_News/2025/05/28/Tianwen-2-asteroid-comet-study/7981748453264/