China’s Tianwen-2 Mission: Journey to a Quasi-Moon

China has made another major stride in deep space exploration with its Tianwen-2 mission, targeting an unusual and enigmatic neighbor of Earth: the quasi-moon called Kamo’oalewa.

Earlier this month, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) released the first image from the Tianwen-2 probe, now over 3 million kilometers from Earth. The onboard camera captured a striking view of one of the probe’s wings, showcasing the solar panels deployed against the darkness of space, drawing design comparisons to NASA’s Lucy mission exploring Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. These solar panels provide essential energy for the spacecraft’s lengthy journey.

What Tianwen-2 Aims to Achieve

Launched on May 29, 2024 via a Long March 3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in China, Tianwen-2 combines new innovations with lessons learned from prior missions. CNSA hopes this mission will mark a milestone in asteroid exploration for the country.

The main goal is ambitious: rendezvous with Kamo’oalewa, land on its surface, collect material samples, and return them safely to Earth. Before landing, the probe will spend months orbiting Kamo’oalewa at a safe distance to scout the best sample collection areas. This observation is critical given the asteroid’s low gravity and rugged terrain, posing technical challenges.

Tianwen-2 is expected to land in July 2026. After collecting rock and dust, samples will be returned to Earth in a dedicated capsule. The mission continues thereafter, using Earth’s gravity for a slingshot maneuver toward asteroid 311P/PanSTARRS, which exhibits comet-like tails. This extended mission could last until 2035, producing significant new scientific data.

The Mystery of Earth’s Quasi-Moon

Kamo’oalewa is one of seven known quasi-moons—asteroids orbiting the Sun but appearing to circle Earth due to similar orbital patterns. Discovered in Hawaii in 2016, the name means “oscillating celestial object” in Hawaiian. It sits roughly 4.65 million kilometers away, about 12 times the Moon’s distance, and measures around 40–100 meters wide. Having maintained a stable orbit for about a century, it is expected to remain for at least 300 more years.

Scientists aim to uncover Kamo’oalewa’s origin, with a leading theory suggesting it might be lunar rock displaced millions of years ago. Studying the returned samples will reveal new insights on rocky body formation and solar system evolution.

Direct investigation of near-Earth asteroids is vital for understanding early solar system history and the dynamic evolution of small celestial bodies. Increasing quasi-moon discoveries may also enhance planetary defense strategies against potential impacts.

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Source: WIRED