After traveling more than seven months in space, Tianwen 1 is one step closer to Mars! Tianwen 1, China's first Mars probe (探测器), successfully entered Mars orbit in February, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA). It will stay in orbit for about three months before landing on the red planet.
A small step on the red planet will be a big step for human beings. Humans have launched 46 Mars exploration missions since October 1960, but only 19 of them have been successful, according to China Daily. It's China's first spacecraft to Mars, and the missions are rather ambitious. Tianwen 1 aims to achieve "orbiting, landing, and roving (环绕，着陆，巡视)" all in one journey, which will make the country the world's first to accomplish all three goals with one probe, mission scientists said. Among the three tasks, touchdown on the red planet is the most difficult. The result mainly depends on the "breathtaking seven minutes," which will deploy multiple cutting-edge technologies and accurate timing of each action, including the burning of engines and opening of parachutes (降落伞)to ensure a safe landing, according to the Global Times. The previous success of Chang'e 5 has accumulated experience in this regard which "boosts our confidence", Wang Ya'nan, chief editor of Beijing-based Aerospace Knowledge magazine, told the Global Times. Tianwen Vs ultimate goal is to land a rover on Mars in May or June, and it will conduct scientific investigations on Mars' soil, geological (地质学的)structure, environment, atmosphere and water, according to China Daily.
February was Mars month. NASA's Perseverance Rover landed on Mars on Feb 19, and China's Tianwen 1 and United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Hope have arrived within orbit of the red planet. Although they started their Mars journeys at almost the same time, their missions vary. "When we step into the far planets of the solar system, the magnitude (量级)of the resources and timeline required will take a global commitment," US Congressman Frank Lucas said, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in space.
