China has launched a space probe that will travel to an asteroid near Mars to collect samples and find potential “groundbreaking” results.
The Tianwen-2 probe was launched on Thursday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan Province using the Long March 3-B rocket, as reported by the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
The target of the Tianwen-2 will be different from its predecessor, the Tianwen-1, which launched a year ago and landed on Mars.
Tianwen-2 will be aiming for the asteroid 2016 HO3, which is also known as 469219 Kamoʻoalewa, to bring back samples.
China launches rocket with Tianwen-2 probe. (CNS via AP)
The new probe, similar to the Chang 6 mission, will bring home samples from an asteroid close to Mars. (CNSA via Xinhua and AP)
Samples from 2016HO3 are due to be returned in about two years.
Although the CNSA plans to share samples with international partners as they have done on previous missions, NASA would not be able to receive any of these samples.
A law passed in 2011, known as the Wolf Amendment, restricts NASA from having any cooperation with the CNSA.
China also operates the three-person Tiangong, or “Heavenly Palace,” space station.
China also manages the Tiangong, a three-person space station known as the “Heavenly Palace.” This space station became China’s permanent station after being denied participation in the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns. (Roscosmos State Space Corporation via AP, File)
This gives China a step in the right direction to become a major force in the exploration of space.
Its permanent station was created after being excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns.
The Associated Press contributed to this story
Nick Butler is a reporter for Fox News Digital. Do you have any tips? Reach out to [email protected].
