China's Tianwen-2 probe reaches asteroid Kamoʻoalewa after 1-billion-km chase
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China's Tianwen-2 spacecraft has rendezvoused with the near-Earth asteroid Kamoʻoalewa after a 400-day, 1-billion-kilometer chase. The probe closed to within 20 kilometers of the 2016 HO3 asteroid, officially beginning its scientific exploration phase.
The Rendezvous
The China National Space Administration confirmed the probe has reached Kamoʻoalewa, a near-Earth asteroid also designated 2016 HO3. Tianwen-2 closed to within about 20 kilometers of the tumbling rock, marking the end of a 400-day deep-space chase. The spacecraft traveled roughly 1 billion kilometers to catch up with its target.
Mission Objectives
Tianwen-2 is tasked with studying the asteroid's composition and structure over the coming months. The mission aims to collect samples from Kamoʻoalewa and return them to Earth, a process expected to take several years. This is China's first asteroid sample-return mission, following the successful lunar sample return by Chang'e-5.
What's Next
The probe will begin detailed surveys of Kamoʻoalewa's surface to identify potential sampling sites. It remains unclear how long the sampling phase will last or whether the asteroid's loose regolith will pose challenges for collection.
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China's Tianwen-2 probe reaches asteroid Kamoʻoalewa after 1-billion-km chase
