新华访谈｜天问二号有哪些了不起的地方？

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first mission for asteroid sample return and comet flyby, aiming to explore the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and the main-belt comet 311P, filling a technological gap in small body exploration [1][4]. Group 1: Mission Objectives and Significance - The Tianwen-2 mission will challenge the innovative model of "dual-target exploration in a single launch," which includes flyby and sample return from 2016HO3 and flyby of comet 311P [1]. - The exploration of small bodies is significant as they may retain clues about the early solar system, providing important references for scientific research [2][3]. Group 2: Technical Challenges and Breakthroughs - Key technical challenges include the vast distances to the targets, with 2016HO3 being tens of millions of kilometers away and 311P over 400 million kilometers, posing communication and control difficulties [5]. - The small size and weak gravity of the small bodies require precise control for both flyby and landing operations [5]. - The mission will also face harsh conditions during the return phase, including re-entry at speeds exceeding the second cosmic velocity, necessitating advanced thermal protection and trajectory design [7][8]. Group 3: Future Implications - The Tianwen-2 mission is expected to significantly enhance China's autonomy and intelligence in deep space exploration, laying the groundwork for future Mars sample return missions and exploration of the Jupiter system [9]. - The return technology developed during this mission will provide valuable insights for Mars sample return efforts [9].