China to complete AI-driven Mars geological map by 2028

China plans to complete a new generation of AI-driven geological maps of Mars by the end of 2028. Announced by Hou Zengqian, chief scientist of the Tianwen-3 mission, the project aims to reconstruct the planet's hydrological history and establish a Chinese-led system for dividing Martian geological eras to achieve international consensus.

The mapping initiative will integrate data from China's Tianwen-1 mission and Zhurong rover with observations from United States and European Space Agency (ESA) probes. By fusing orbital and surface data—including imagery, radar, gravity, and magnetic measurements—researchers intend to create a global database. Key findings from the Zhurong rover suggest an ancient intercontinental ocean existed approximately 3.5 billion years ago, with potential short-lived flooding occurring 1.6 billion years ago.

Expected outputs include a 1:5 million scale global geological map, a high-detail 1:50,000 scale map of landing zones, and various thematic atlases. This project serves as a preparatory step for the Tianwen-3 mission, which aims to become the first mission to successfully return Martian samples to Earth. The methodology developed for Mars is also intended to serve as a template for future mapping of the Moon, Venus, and asteroids.