天问二号发射成功！我国首次小行星采样返回任务正式启航

Core Points - The Tianwen-2 mission aims to explore and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and subsequently conduct scientific exploration of the main-belt comet 311P, with a mission duration of approximately ten years [2][3] - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first attempt to conduct a sample return mission from a near-Earth asteroid, potentially unlocking the "original code" of the solar system's origins [1][4] Mission Objectives - The engineering objectives of the Tianwen-2 mission include sampling from low-gravity celestial bodies, high-precision autonomous navigation and control, and low-thrust trajectory design [3][4] - The scientific goals focus on measuring various physical parameters of the asteroid and comet, including orbital parameters, rotation characteristics, shape, size, and thermal radiation properties [3][4] Technical Details - The Tianwen-2 probe is equipped with eight scientific payloads, including cameras and spectrometers, to facilitate the exploration and data collection during its mission [4][6] - The mission consists of 13 flight phases, including launch, transfer to the asteroid, close approach, sampling, and return to Earth, with the asteroid exploration phase expected to take about 2.5 years [6][7] Challenges and Innovations - The mission involves complex operations in a microgravity environment, requiring innovative sampling techniques such as touch sampling, hovering sampling, and attachment sampling [6][7] - The Tianwen-2 project team has implemented a "fly, explore, and decide" strategy to autonomously approach and collect samples from the target celestial body [7][8] Launch Significance - The Tianwen-2 mission is notable for being the first time the Long March 3B rocket has executed a launch for an escape trajectory from Earth, requiring a speed exceeding 11.2 kilometers per second [7][8] - The mission's success is seen as a significant step forward for China's space exploration efforts, with expectations for original scientific achievements and deeper understanding of the universe [8]