天问二号探测器“朋友圈”更新 中国人探索太空的脚步正迈得更大、更远

Core Points - The Tianwen-2 probe has been in orbit for 33 days and is currently over 12 million kilometers away from Earth [1] - The National Space Administration released images captured by the probe, including Earth and Moon images taken from approximately 590,000 kilometers away [3] - The mission aims to conduct multiple exploration tasks, including sampling and returning from asteroid 2016HO3 and conducting scientific exploration of comet 311P [5] Mission Objectives - Tianwen-2 is China's first interplanetary sample return mission, targeting asteroid 2016HO3, which is considered a "quasi-satellite" of Earth, and comet 311P, which has unique characteristics [6][8] - The selection of these targets is based on their scientific value and the feasibility of the mission, with 2016HO3 potentially containing primordial information about the solar system's formation [6] Challenges and Strategies - The mission faces significant challenges due to the long duration and high risks, necessitating a "fly-and-explore" approach to decision-making during the mission [9] - The average diameter of asteroid 2016HO3 is about 41 meters, and it is in a high-speed rotation state, complicating the sampling process [9][10] - There are concerns about signal delays affecting the probe's autonomous control and operational reliability [11] Equipment and Technology - Tianwen-2 is equipped with various cameras for scientific exploration and documentation, with a planned operational period of approximately ten years [12] - The probe will execute 13 mission phases, each documented by different types of cameras designed for specific imaging tasks [12][14] - The design of camera angles and positions has been meticulously planned to ensure successful imaging during critical moments [16][18]