China's Tianwen-2 probe reaches asteroid after 1-billion-km journey
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China's Tianwen-2 space probe has arrived at its target asteroid after traveling 1 billion kilometers over more than a year, the China National Space Administration said Monday. The spacecraft will collect samples and return them to Earth for research.
The Mission
Tianwen-2, launched in 2024, is China's first asteroid sample-return mission. The probe targeted a near-Earth asteroid, though its name was not disclosed. The journey covered 1 billion kilometers (620 million miles) over 15 months.
Sample Collection Plan
The probe will spend several months surveying the asteroid before attempting to collect samples using a robotic arm. It aims to bring back at least 100 grams of material. The return to Earth is expected around 2028.
What's Next
The probe will begin its survey phase in the coming weeks. It remains unclear whether the sampling operation will succeed on the first attempt.
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China's Tianwen-2 probe reaches asteroid after 1-billion-km journey
