China Launches Ambitious Tianwen-2 Mission: A Decade-Long Journey to Asteroid and Comet

China's Tianwen-2 Mission Launches, Embarking on a Decade-Long Journey to Asteroid and Comet. China successfully launched its ambitious Tianwen-2 mission, marking a significant step in the nation's space exploration endeavors. The mission's primary objective is to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 2016HO3 and conduct research on the main-belt comet 311P, located beyond Mars. The mission is expected to last approximately ten years, providing invaluable data about asteroid formation and the early solar system. CNSA officials described the launch as "successful," highlighting the successful deployment of the spacecraft's solar panels and its entry into the transfer orbit. This mission represents China's growing ambition in space exploration and its commitment to expanding humanity's understanding of the universe.