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].

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]

原标题：2029年，"毁神星"将与地球擦肩而过 2029年4月13日，"大块头"小行星阿波菲斯将与地球擦肩而过，上演一场有惊无险的"隔空邂逅"。 阿波菲斯是一颗近地小行星，运行轨道位于金星和火星之间。其名字源自埃及神话中的破坏与混沌之神 ——阿佩普，因此也被称为"毁神星"。 这颗曾被列为"潜在威胁天体"的小行星，与近日发现的小行星2024 YR4一样，最初都让科学家捏 了一把冷汗。但随着观测数据增加，研究人员最终确认，它与地球相撞的可能性微乎其微。 英国《新科学家》网站在4月17日的报道中指出，尽管碰撞警报已解除，但这一天文事件仍然吸引 了多国航天机构的目光。美国国家航空航天局（NASA）、欧洲空间局（ESA）和日本宇宙航空研究开 发机构（JAXA）准备派遣探测器对其开展研究。这些探测器不仅将揭开阿波菲斯的神秘面纱，也有望 帮助人类掌握偏转危险小行星的技术。 观测良机千载难逢 阿波菲斯在2004年曾引发不小的恐慌。早期轨道测算显示，这颗长约450米、直径约340米的小行 星，在2029年撞击地球的概率为2.7%。所幸，后续观测数据修正了这一预测：2029年4月13日，阿波菲 斯将有惊无险地近距离飞掠地球。 届 ...