Core Points - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first asteroid exploration and sample return mission, aiming to study asteroid 2016HO3 and comet 311P over a mission period of approximately 10 years [1][4] - The mission is expected to provide valuable data on the early state of the solar system and the evolution of both the solar system and Earth [1][4] Mission Objectives - The primary engineering goal is to gather data and samples from asteroid 2016HO3, focusing on its origin and evolution [4][5] - Scientific objectives include measuring various physical parameters of both asteroid 2016HO3 and comet 311P, such as orbital parameters, rotation, shape, size, and thermal radiation characteristics [4][5] Significance of Target - Asteroid 2016HO3 is considered a "time capsule" or "living fossil" of the solar system, having remained unchanged since its formation around 4.5 billion years ago, making it scientifically valuable [4][5] - The study of small asteroids like 2016HO3 is crucial for understanding Earth's evolution, particularly regarding the origins of water on Earth, which is believed to have been delivered by such celestial bodies [4][5] Mission Phases - The Tianwen-2 mission consists of 13 flight phases, including launch, asteroid transfer, close approach, sampling, and return to Earth, with the asteroid exploration phase expected to take about 2.5 years [7][9] - The mission will utilize a "fly while explore and decide" strategy, allowing the probe to autonomously make decisions as it approaches the target [10] Challenges - The mission faces significant challenges due to the unknown characteristics of asteroid 2016HO3, including its surface composition and structure, which complicates the sampling process [9][10] - The small size of the asteroid (40-100 meters in diameter) presents difficulties in sampling, requiring precise control of the probe in a microgravity environment [10]

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first mission to explore and sample an asteroid, advancing deep space exploration efforts [1][3]. Group 1: Mission Overview - The Tianwen-2 probe was launched on May 29, 2023, at 1:31 AM using the Long March 3B rocket, entering a transfer orbit to the asteroid 2016 HO3 after approximately 18 minutes of flight [3]. - The primary objectives of the Tianwen-2 mission include exploring the asteroid 2016 HO3, collecting samples, and returning them to Earth, with an expected landing date by the end of 2027 [3]. - Following the asteroid mission, the probe will conduct scientific exploration of the main belt comet 311P, which is located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter [3]. Group 2: Technical Aspects of the Launch - The Long March 3B rocket, known as China's "gold medal rocket," has a high reliability rate and is primarily used for launching high-orbit spacecraft [4]. - This launch marks the 109th mission for the Long March 3B rocket, which has previously successfully launched various satellites, including the Chang'e lunar probes [6]. - The rocket's trajectory design and system optimizations were crucial for ensuring the success of the Tianwen-2 mission, with the launch team overcoming numerous challenges to achieve this high-density launch schedule [6][9]. Group 3: Precision and Challenges - The mission to the asteroid requires extremely high precision in orbital insertion, with a deviation limit of no more than 1 meter per second [7]. - The rocket's insertion speed needed to reach 11.2 kilometers per second, comparable to making a basketball shot from Shanghai to a hoop in Beijing, while ensuring the correct angle and speed upon entry [9]. - The design workload for this mission was three times greater than that of conventional launches, necessitating two years of iterative optimization by the rocket development team [9].

Core Points - China's Tianwen-2 probe successfully launched on May 29, marking the country's first asteroid exploration and sample return mission [1][2] - The mission aims to explore and collect samples from asteroid 2016 HO3, with a planned return to Earth by the end of 2027 [7][8] Group 1: Mission Overview - The Tianwen-2 mission is a significant engineering project, described as a relay race, with the successful launch being the first leg [4] - The probe is equipped with 11 scientific payloads to enhance understanding of small celestial bodies [8] - The mission has a total duration of approximately 10 years, including subsequent exploration of main belt comet 311P [7] Group 2: Technical Details - The Long March 3B rocket, known for its reliability, executed its 109th mission and was specifically designed for this escape trajectory [14][16] - The launch required high precision, with the entry trajectory needing to be accurate to within 1 meter per second [21] - The design and preparation for the mission involved three times the usual workload due to the complexities of deep space exploration [23] Group 3: Challenges and Innovations - The Tianwen-2 mission is characterized by its high difficulty, long duration, and significant risks [8] - The rocket team faced challenges in optimizing the launch process and ensuring timely execution of the mission [20][18] - Innovations in guidance methods were implemented to meet the demands of deep space trajectory requirements [21]

来源：中国新闻网 根据规划，天问二号任务将通过一次发射，完成多项任务，包括对小行星2016HO3进行探测、取样并返 回地球，此后再对主带彗星311P开展科学探测。 工程目标方面，中国航天科技集团陈春亮表示，希望实现小行星采样等一系列关键技术突破，并为小行 星起源及演化等前沿科学研究提供探测数据和珍贵样品。 科学目标方面，中国国家航天局探月与航天工程中心副主任韩思远表示，天问二号探测器搭载了11台科 学载荷，将对目标天体的地貌、物质组分、内部结构、可能存在的喷发物以及轨道力学等方面开展研 究。 中新网西昌5月29日电 题：揭秘中国首次小行星探测与采样返回：探什么？怎么去？有何难？ 记者 马帅莎 5月29日，中国在西昌卫星发射中心成功发射天问二号探测器。这是中国首次实施小行星采样返回任 务，也是继首次火星探测任务天问一号之后，中国再次实施行星际探测任务。 天问二号任务发射圆满成功。白国龙 摄 天问二号任务将完成哪些目标？探测器如何飞往小行星？与探月、探火相比，此次任务有何新难点？工 程有关专家日前接受媒体采访作出解读。 探什么？ 完成采样任务后，探测器将经历返回等待段、返回转移段，并在返回转移段接近地球，返回舱与 ...