Core Points - The Tianwen-2 mission successfully launched on May 29, 2025, aiming to explore and collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3 and later conduct scientific investigations on main-belt comet 311P [1][2][8] - The mission includes 13 flight phases, with the spacecraft expected to reach distances of approximately 150 million to 500 million kilometers from Earth [1][4][11] Mission Objectives - The primary goal is to collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3 and return them to Earth, marking a significant milestone in asteroid exploration [2][9] - The mission aims to advance key technologies such as sampling from low-gravity bodies, high-precision autonomous navigation, and small-thrust orbital transfer design [2][4] Scientific Goals - The scientific objectives focus on determining various physical parameters of the asteroid and comet, including orbital parameters, rotation characteristics, shape, size, and thermal radiation properties [2][3] - The mission will also analyze the samples to study their physical properties, chemical and mineral compositions, isotopic makeup, and structural characteristics, contributing to research on the early formation and evolution of the solar system [2][3] Technological Innovations - The Tianwen-2 spacecraft is equipped with 11 scientific instruments, including cameras and spectrometers, to facilitate data collection [3][4] - The mission employs a "fly while explore and decide" strategy to enhance the spacecraft's autonomy and adaptability to the unique characteristics of the target asteroid [6][11] Launch Vehicle - The Long March 3B rocket, which has successfully completed 108 launches, was used for this mission, marking its first execution of an Earth-escape trajectory [7][11] - The rocket's launch speed reached 11.2 kilometers per second, requiring high precision to ensure successful orbital insertion [7][11] Challenges and Comparisons - The Tianwen-2 mission presents unique challenges compared to the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, particularly in sampling under low-gravity conditions and the vast distances involved [10][11] - The average diameter of asteroid 2016HO3 is approximately 41 meters, posing difficulties in achieving stable attachment and sampling due to its weak gravitational field and high rotation speed [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks a significant step in China's planetary exploration program, with missions to explore asteroid 2016HO3 and comet 311P, aiming to collect valuable samples and conduct in-depth scientific research [1][19]. Group 1: Mission Overview - The Tianwen-2 mission is set to last approximately 10 years, focusing first on the asteroid 2016HO3 for exploration and sample collection, followed by a mission to comet 311P [7][19]. - The Tianwen-2 probe is equipped with 11 scientific instruments, including a multi-spectral camera and thermal radiation spectrometer, to facilitate data collection during its journey [23]. Group 2: Technical Challenges - The launch required precise timing due to the changing relative positions of the target asteroid and Earth, with a narrow launch window of only 4 minutes [3]. - The mission's landing precision on the small asteroid is exceptionally demanding, requiring a landing radius of approximately 1 meter, which is significantly tighter than typical asteroid missions [17]. - The sampling process on the microgravity environment of the asteroid presents unique challenges, as the lack of gravity could cause samples to escape easily [15][17]. Group 3: Scientific Significance - Asteroid 2016HO3 is considered a "quasi-satellite" of Earth, maintaining a stable orbit relative to our planet, making it a unique target for study [9][11]. - The mission aims to gather insights into the early solar system's material composition and evolutionary history, as the asteroid retains primordial information from the solar system's formation [11][19]. Group 4: Broader Implications - The successful execution of the Tianwen-2 mission could enhance understanding of the relationship between asteroids and comets, contributing to the broader field of planetary science [21]. - The mission has garnered significant attention from both the scientific community and space enthusiasts, highlighting the public's interest in space exploration [25].

Core Points - The Tianwen-2 mission successfully launched on May 29, focusing on the exploration of near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and main-belt comet 311P, marking a significant step in interplanetary exploration [1][6] Group 1: Asteroid 2016HO3 - Asteroid 2016HO3 is described as a "quasi-satellite" of Earth, with an orbit closely matching that of Earth, making it a rare target for study [3] - The asteroid is considered a "living fossil" of the solar system, preserving primordial information from its formation, which is crucial for understanding the early composition and evolution of the solar system [3][4] Group 2: Main-belt Comet 311P - Main-belt comet 311P exhibits both asteroid and comet characteristics, displaying comet-like features such as multiple tails during certain periods, despite being located in the asteroid belt [4][5] - The origin of 311P remains uncertain, whether it is a native object of the asteroid belt or captured from the outer solar system, making it a valuable subject for scientific research [5] Group 3: Significance of the Mission - The Tianwen-2 mission represents a continuation of China's advancements in space exploration, following successful lunar missions and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, and is the first to conduct interplanetary sample return [6] - The mission aims to enhance human understanding of deep space and contribute to original scientific discoveries, as stated by the head of the National Space Administration [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Tianwen-2 mission represents China's first dual-target exploration of extraterrestrial small bodies, marking a significant advancement in deep space exploration. The mission aims to explore and sample asteroid 2016HO3 and conduct scientific investigations of main belt comet 311P over a complex 10-year mission period [1][3]. Mission Objectives - The Tianwen-2 mission has two primary objectives: to explore and collect samples from asteroid 2016HO3 and to conduct scientific exploration of main belt comet 311P [1][3]. Mission Complexity - The mission involves a complex flight process with approximately 13 flight stages, indicating high risk and difficulty [1][3]. - The spacecraft consists of a main probe and a return capsule, which will separate upon reaching Earth for re-entry [3]. Challenges in Exploration - The first major challenge is the trajectory design for reaching asteroid 2016HO3, which requires precise calculations due to the differing orbits of the Earth and the asteroid [8][10]. - The second challenge involves the sampling process at asteroid 2016HO3, where the characteristics of the asteroid's surface are largely unknown, necessitating a "fly, explore, and decide" strategy [5][7][12]. - The third challenge is the return of samples to Earth, which requires the spacecraft to withstand re-entry at speeds exceeding the second cosmic velocity, approximately 12 kilometers per second [15][17]. Mission Duration and Capabilities - The Tianwen-2 mission is expected to last about 10 years, with the first 2.5 years dedicated to the exploration and sampling of asteroid 2016HO3, followed by over 7 years of travel to comet 311P [18]. - The spacecraft must possess long-lasting capabilities to endure temperature variations and radiation over the mission duration [20]. - Enhanced communication capabilities are necessary due to the significant distance of asteroid 2016HO3, which is approximately 42 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon [22]. Autonomous Operations - The spacecraft is designed to operate autonomously, making decisions without constant ground control oversight, which is essential for long-duration deep space missions [24].

央视网消息：5月29日1时31分，我国在西昌卫星发射中心用长征三号乙运载火箭，成功将行星探测工程天问二号探测器发射升空，我国首 次小行星探测与采样返回之旅正式开启，深空探测任务迈出新的一步。 5月29日凌晨1点31分，长征三号乙运载火箭点火起飞，飞行约18分钟后，将天问二号探测器送入地球至小行星2016HO3转移轨道。 天问二号主要任务目标是对小行星2016HO3进行探测、取样并返回地球，预计于2027年底着陆地球并完成回收。此后再对主带彗星311P开 展科学探测。天问二号任务周期约10年。 探月与航天工程中心副主任 天问二号任务新闻发言人 韩思远：天问二号任务是我国首次开展的行星际取样返回，这次任务实施难度大， 周期长、风险高，发射任务取得了圆满成功，但这只是我们万里长征的第一步。我们一共搭载了11台科学载荷，希望能够为我们相关小天体的 认知起源和演化带来更多的突破和发现。 主带彗星311P，是运行在火星和木星轨道之间小行星带中的一个小天体，对它进行探测，有助于了解小天体的物质组成、结构和演化机 制。 探测目标如何选定？ 天问二号探测的目标小行星有两个，分别是小行星2016HO3 和主带彗星311P，浩瀚宇 ...

Core Points - The Tianwen-2 probe has successfully entered the transfer orbit to asteroid 2016 HO3, marking China's first asteroid exploration and sample return mission [1] - The probe was launched on May 29, 2023, at 1:31 AM by the Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang launch site, entering the transfer orbit approximately 18 minutes after launch [1] - The mission is designed to last around 10 years, involving various stages including asteroid approach, close-range detection, return transfer, and re-entry recovery [1] Industry Overview - The deep space tracking and control network is a critical system supporting deep space exploration missions, with coverage exceeding 90% and multi-frequency tracking capabilities [2] - Key facilities include the Jiamusi Deep Space Station, which has the largest and most sensitive deep space tracking antenna in Asia, and the Kashgar Deep Space Station, which features China's first deep space antenna array system [2] - The deep space tracking network is currently providing support for both the Tianwen-1 Mars mission and the Tianwen-2 asteroid mission simultaneously [2]

超强"遥控器"佳木斯66米深空站 ●在探测器入轨后，佳木斯66米深空站在其他陆海测控站的配合下，为天问二号着陆小行星提前注 入指令数据，进行轨道和导航控制 ●为提高通信性能，深空站采用66米口径的巨型抛物面天线和多项关键技术，确保天线不仅增益 高，并且指得准 ●测控设备适用于深空远距离测控场景，能充分利用信号功率，从而降低距离捕获时间 5月29日，天问二号探测器在西昌卫星发射中心成功发射。此次任务将通过一次发射，实施小行星 2016HO3伴飞、取样、返回以及主带彗星311P伴飞探测等多项任务。 在此次天问二号的"探星"旅程中，有"四川智造"为其保驾护航，确保信息的高效接收。记者第一时 间采访了参研专家进行解读。 "精测妙控"天问二号 与天问一号相比，天问二号的任务有何不同？专家介绍，本次任务最大的特点是执行双任务且持续 时间长，要到2034年才结束。 本次任务涉及火箭发射、探测器入轨、轨道转移、探测器着陆、探测器采样和返回等环节，由运载 火箭、发射场、探测器、测控通信和地面应用等多个分系统保障执行。其中，在川央企中国电子科技集 团公司第十研究所（简称中国电科十所）负责测控通信分系统中的重要地面测控站——佳木斯 ...

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks a significant advancement in China's deep space exploration, initiating the country's first dual-target exploration of extraterrestrial small bodies [1][4]. Group 1: Mission Objectives - The Tianwen-2 mission has two primary objectives: to conduct a flyby, sample collection, and return from the asteroid 2016 HO3, and to perform scientific exploration of the main belt comet 311P [4]. - The mission is designed to complete multiple tasks in a single launch, with a total mission duration of approximately 10 years, encompassing 13 flight phases [7]. Group 2: Mission Phases - The asteroid sampling and return process consists of nine stages, starting with the launch phase, followed by the asteroid transfer phase lasting about one year, which includes deep space maneuvers and mid-course corrections [9]. - After reaching the asteroid, the probe will enter various phases including approach, rendezvous, and close-range exploration, ultimately determining the sampling area before executing the sample collection [10]. Group 3: Scientific Significance - The asteroid 2016 HO3 is considered a "quasi-satellite" of Earth, providing valuable insights into the early solar system's material composition and evolutionary history [11]. - The main belt comet 311P, located between Mars and Jupiter, possesses characteristics of both comets and asteroids, making it crucial for understanding the composition and evolution of small celestial bodies [13]. Group 4: Challenges and Difficulties - The Tianwen-2 mission faces significant challenges, including the precise design of the trajectory to the asteroid, which requires high accuracy due to the differing orbital periods of the Earth and the asteroid [16]. - Sampling methods must be adaptable to varying surface conditions of the asteroid, necessitating careful planning post-close-range exploration [17]. - The return phase involves overcoming extreme conditions during re-entry, with speeds approaching 12 kilometers per second, requiring meticulous engineering of thermal protection and aerodynamic design [18].

5月29日1时31分，我国在西昌卫星发射中心用长征三号乙Y110运载火箭，成功将行星探测工程天问二 号探测器发射升空。天问二号将开启我国首次对地外小天体的"双目标探测"，这意味着我国深空探测又 迈出了新的一步。(央视新闻) ...

由于小天体引力非常弱小，坚硬表面易造成探测器反弹，而松散表面又难以阻止探测器下陷，探测器的 控制必须精准。据介绍，探测器将采用"边飞边探边决策"的策略，从距离目标天体约2000千米开始，基 本自主开展目标天体精准捕获、逐步接近、科学探测和样品采集。 新华社西昌5月29日电（记者宋晨、刘祯）5月29日凌晨，西昌卫星发射中心，长征三号乙运载火箭托举 行星探测工程天问二号探测器直冲霄汉。 问天求索，我国首次小行星探测与采样返回之旅正式启程！ "追星"之旅，"第一棒"至关重要。本次任务是长征三号乙运载火箭首次执行地球逃逸轨道发射，对火箭 的入轨精度要求更高。"如果将火箭入轨比作投篮，这次的难度就像从上海投球到位于北京的篮筐中， 篮球不仅要准确入筐，还要以特定的角度和速度。"中国航天科技集团专家魏远明说。 配备精良装备，才能精准"问天"。中国航天科技集团专家陈春亮介绍，天问二号探测器上配置了中视场 彩色相机、多光谱相机等11台科学设备，助力探测器在飞行过程中对小行星和主带彗星进行探测，获取 科学数据。 天问二号任务设计周期10年左右，主要任务目标是对小行星2016HO3进行探测、取样并返回地球，此后 再对主带彗星311 ...