Tianwen-3 mission aims for Mars sample return by 2031

China plans to launch the Tianwen-3 mission around 2028, with the goal of returning Mars samples to Earth by approximately 2031. This mission aims to become the first human endeavor to successfully complete a Mars sample return.

The Tianwen-3 spacecraft will consist of a landing/ascent combination (lander, ascent vehicle, and service module) and an orbital/return combination (orbiter and returner). The mission involves a complex sequence including orbital detection, landing, sampling, Mars takeoff, orbital docking, and the final return to Earth. The objective is to collect at least 500 grams of Martian material.

Hou Zengqian, the chief scientist for the mission, stated that the primary scientific goal is to search for potential traces of life on Mars. Researchers seek to analyze high-value samples to find evidence of microbial life or other unique evolutionary paths. Additionally, a new generation of Martian geological maps is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, incorporating findings from the Zhurong rover regarding ancient oceans and floods.