中国航天史上最长任务开启 谁来接力“天问”？

Core Points - The Tianwen-2 mission marks China's first interplanetary sample return mission, with a design cycle of approximately 10 years, indicating a significant advancement in space exploration [1][4][9] - The mission involves a "dual-target exploration," focusing on asteroid 2016HO3 and comet 311P, with the first phase expected to complete by the end of 2027 [5][8] - The mission's complexity requires advanced technologies such as autonomous navigation and electric propulsion, which are crucial for long-duration space travel [10][12] Mission Overview - The Tianwen-2 mission successfully launched on May 29, with the Long March 3B rocket achieving higher than expected launch precision [1][2] - The mission will undergo 12 flight phases, with the first target being the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3, followed by a journey to the distant comet 311P [5][6] - The mission aims to enhance understanding of the origins and evolution of small celestial bodies [4][8] Technological Innovations - The mission employs a strategy of "fly, explore, and decide," allowing for real-time adjustments during the journey [10][12] - The propulsion system combines ion propulsion and chemical propulsion, optimizing fuel efficiency for the extended mission duration [12][14] Talent Development - The long duration of the Tianwen-2 mission necessitates a robust talent pool, with a focus on attracting younger professionals to the aerospace sector [15][18] - Recent educational initiatives aim to fill the skills gap in aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, supporting the mission's technical requirements [15][16] - The average age of teams involved in recent missions is relatively young, indicating a trend towards a more youthful workforce in China's space industry [15][18]