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深度关注 | 梦想的远征
Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first asteroid sample return mission, aiming to explore the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and the main-belt comet 311P over a mission period of approximately ten years [4][11]. Group 1: Mission Overview - The Tianwen-2 mission is designed to visit two celestial bodies: the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and the main-belt comet 311P, focusing on their morphology, material composition, internal structure, and potential ejections [3][11]. - The mission aims to enhance understanding of the origins and evolution of the solar system, as well as provide insights into Earth's evolutionary processes [12][13]. Group 2: Launch Details - The Tianwen-2 probe was successfully launched on May 29 at 1:31 AM from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using the Long March 3B rocket, which is noted for its high reliability and performance [4][5]. - The Long March 3B rocket has a payload capacity of 5.55 tons to geostationary transfer orbit, making it suitable for the Tianwen-2 mission [5][7]. Group 3: Technical Aspects - The mission consists of 13 flight phases, including launch, asteroid transfer, close approach, sampling, and return to Earth, with the return capsule expected to land by the end of 2027 [8][9]. - The Tianwen-2 probe is equipped with 11 scientific payloads, including cameras, spectrometers, and radar, to conduct comprehensive studies of the target celestial bodies [13]. Group 4: Scientific Significance - The exploration of 2016HO3 is particularly valuable as it is a stable quasi-satellite of Earth, located approximately 18 to 46 million kilometers away, making it accessible for the mission [12]. - The main-belt comet 311P presents unique research opportunities due to its dual characteristics of asteroid-like orbits and comet-like physical features, which could provide insights into the formation of small celestial bodies [13].
天问二号发射成功!我国首次小行星采样返回任务正式启航
Huan Qiu Wang Zi Xun· 2025-05-28 22:56
Core Points - The Tianwen-2 mission aims to explore and collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and subsequently conduct scientific exploration of the main-belt comet 311P, with a mission duration of approximately ten years [2][3] - The successful launch of the Tianwen-2 probe marks China's first attempt to conduct a sample return mission from a near-Earth asteroid, potentially unlocking the "original code" of the solar system's origins [1][4] Mission Objectives - The engineering objectives of the Tianwen-2 mission include sampling from low-gravity celestial bodies, high-precision autonomous navigation and control, and low-thrust trajectory design [3][4] - The scientific goals focus on measuring various physical parameters of the asteroid and comet, including orbital parameters, rotation characteristics, shape, size, and thermal radiation properties [3][4] Technical Details - The Tianwen-2 probe is equipped with eight scientific payloads, including cameras and spectrometers, to facilitate the exploration and data collection during its mission [4][6] - The mission consists of 13 flight phases, including launch, transfer to the asteroid, close approach, sampling, and return to Earth, with the asteroid exploration phase expected to take about 2.5 years [6][7] Challenges and Innovations - The mission involves complex operations in a microgravity environment, requiring innovative sampling techniques such as touch sampling, hovering sampling, and attachment sampling [6][7] - The Tianwen-2 project team has implemented a "fly, explore, and decide" strategy to autonomously approach and collect samples from the target celestial body [7][8] Launch Significance - The Tianwen-2 mission is notable for being the first time the Long March 3B rocket has executed a launch for an escape trajectory from Earth, requiring a speed exceeding 11.2 kilometers per second [7][8] - The mission's success is seen as a significant step forward for China's space exploration efforts, with expectations for original scientific achievements and deeper understanding of the universe [8]