China has released a first picture of its task Tianwen 2, as the spacecraft heads to an asteroid close to Earth.
Tianwin 2 Firing On a Long career 3B missile on May 28, which is charged with disturbing and taking samples from the mysterious asteroid Kayo’ealewaIt is seven known land “Like moons.” The task continues well, according to a first official update.
The Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) revealed on June 6 statement The spacecraft operates well and is more than 3 million kilometers (1.86 million miles) from Earth.
CNSA also posted a picture taken by an engineering camera on the spacecraft that displays one of the Tianwen 2 circular panels, which resembles the appearance with those on NASA Lucy Important to visit asteroid Trojan near Jupiter.
It is striking that the image is the first real glimpse of Tianwen 2 that was released to the public. So far, technical performances have been released only, and the task has not been released live.
Tianwin 2 is It is expected to reach Kamo’oalewa In July 2026, after the engine burns to adjust its orbit. It will spend several months in orbit and study the asteroid – which scientists believe can be a A piece of the moon This was detonated by a giant effect – before collecting samples and heading to the ground.
After handing the samples in the re -entering capsule in late 2027, TianWen 2 will use the Earth’s gravity for a spray maneuver to send in a path to encourage with the main belt. Guilty 311p/Panstarrs around 2035.
The task, by visiting the asteroid and guilty, aims to provide data on the nature and formation of planetary bodies, as well as an insight into great questions such as development Solar power system and The origin of water On the ground.
TianWen 2 will not be the first space facing in China with an asteroid. Orbiter Chang’e 2 Lunar B. Flyby from the asteroid Toutatis In 2012 as part of an extended task after appointing the moon.
China also has a sample experience with a sample with it Chang’e 5 The task, which stumbled on the materials from the nearby side of the moon in 2020, and Chang’e 6Which collected the first samples from the other side of the moon in 2024.
TianWen 2 is the task of exploring the second planets in China. He follows Tianwin 1It was launched in 2020, which sent an orbit and dizziness to Mars.
