China’s Tianwen-2 and NASA’s Artemis III Mission
China launched their Tianwen-2 mission through the China National Space Administration to explore samples from an asteroid near Earth. The target asteroid is named the 469219 Kamo’oalewa and the objective is to collect surface material and return them to Earth by late 2027. After this sample delivery, the spacecraft will perform a flyby of comet 311P/PanSTARRS in which it will study its composition and behavior. This mission is planned to last until 2035. In terms of the spacecraft, it weighs about 2,100 kg and has a solar electric propulsion system. It is equipped with 11 scientific instruments, including radars, spectrometers, and cameras. This mission represents an advancement in China’s space exploration capabilities, potentially leading to a space exploration rivalry with the U.S. and NASA.
Speaking of NASA, they have opened the Artemis III lunar landing contract to competitors due to the original provider, SpaceX, having delays in the development of the Starship lander. This project has been opened up to other companies including Blue Origin to maintain the mission’s timeline. The Artemis III mission goal is to land astronauts on the Moon for the first time in over 50 years, including the first woman and person of color. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duggy has announced that the goal is for the astronauts to reach the Moon by 2029.