China’s Tianwen-2 mission blasts off to retrieve samples from an asteroid close to Mars.

China has launched a space probe known as Tianwen-2 that is destined to travel to an asteroid close to Mars to gather samples and potentially achieve groundbreaking findings. The Tianwen-2 probe took off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province aboard the Long March 3-B rocket, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA). This mission differs from its predecessor, Tianwen-1, which reached Mars. The Tianwen-2 is set to collect samples from the asteroid 2016 HO3, also known as 469219 Kamoʻoalewa. China’s space research, including this mission, is part of an ambitious 10-year plan to expand its space exploration capabilities. The collected asteroid samples, due back in about two years, are expected to provide valuable insights into Earth’s formation. Despite international cooperation, NASA is restricted from receiving these samples due to the Wolf Amendment, a law banning NASA from working with the CNSA. China also operates the Tiangong, or “Heavenly Palace,” space station, which was developed following its exclusion from the International Space Station due to U.S. national security concerns. This initiative positions China as a significant player in space exploration.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/world/china-launches-tianwen-2-space-probe-collect-samples-from-asteroid-near-mars