China’s Mars Exploration Mission and Science Investigation
Chunlai Li, Rongqiao Zhang, Deng-Yun Yu, Guangliang Dong, Jianjun Liu, Yan Geng, Zezhou Sun, Wei Yan, Xin Ren, Yan Su, Wei Zuo, Tielong Zhang, Jinbin Cao, Guangyou Fang, Jianfeng Yang, Rong Shu, Yangting Lin, Yongliao Zou, Dawei Liu, Bin Liu, Deqing Kong, Xinying Zhu, Ziyuan Ouyang
Abstract
Abstract China’s first Mars exploration mission (HuoXing-1) has been named as ‘Tianwen-1’ meaning Heaven Inquiry. Tianwen-1 was launched on July 23, 2020. In this paper, the scientific objectives of earlier and current Mars exploration missions worldwide are reviewed, and the scientific objectives, payloads and preliminary scientific investigation plan of China’s first Mars exploration mission are introduced, and expected scientific achievements are analyzed.
Topics & Concepts
Mars Exploration ProgramChinaAstrobiologyExploration of MarsPlanetary sciencePlan (archaeology)EngineeringGeographyPhysicsArchaeologyPlanetary Science and ExplorationAstro and Planetary ScienceSpace Science and Extraterrestrial Life