China has released details of the Tianwen-3 mission: it is planned to deliver 500 grams of Martian soil to Earth

China continues to prepare for its first mission to deliver samples of Martian soil to Earth. In an article published in the journal Nature Astronomy, a research team led by Zengqian Hou of the Hefei Institute of Deep Space Research presented details of the Tianwen-3 project, which is designed for 2028-2031. The mission has the ambitious goal of collecting at least 500 grams of Martian material for comprehensive scientific analysis. The main focus is on finding traces of past or existing life on the Red Planet.

The main scientific program "Tianwen-3" includes nine key areas of research, united by a common goal-to study the signs of life on Mars in the past and present. Analysis of mineral composition, organic compounds, and geological processes is also a priority. The research team conducted a preliminary selection of 86 possible landing sites. These sites were evaluated for signs of past water availability, geological features, and potential preservation of biomarkers.

The mission involves a comprehensive approach to collecting Martian soil and rocks. The landing platform will be equipped with a drilling rig capable of penetrating to a depth of up to two meters and extracting several grams of material from subsurface layers. The main volume (over 400 grams) is planned to be collected from the surface using a robotic arm. The mission will include an unmanned helicopter that will be used to take samples at a distance of more than 100 meters from the landing site, which will allow you to study the diversity of the Martian landscape.

To study the structure of the soil and detect potential signs of life, the equipment includes a radar for probing subsurface layers, a fluorescent analyzer for determining the mineral composition and possible organic molecules.

The most important aspect of the mission will be planetary protection. Chinese scientists emphasize the importance of preventing both direct contamination of Mars by terrestrial microorganisms, and the reverse — the penetration of potential Martian life forms to Earth. To analyze the delivered samples, a specialized laboratory with the highest level of biological safety will be created (a level that exceeds existing world standards). After confirming that there is no biological hazard, the laboratory will be converted to conduct research in high-purity conditions in order to optimize operating costs.

To complete the mission, it is planned to launch two launch vehicles in 2028. The first rocket will deliver an orbiter and a return capsule to Mars, the second-a landing module with equipment for collecting samples. It is expected that the delivery of Martian soil to Earth will take place in 2031.

The Chinese side actively invites international scientific organizations to cooperate. The plans include joint development of scientific equipment, selection of a landing site and preparation of a research program for the collected samples. The Tianwen-3 mission is seen as part of a global effort to study Mars and answer one of the most important scientific questions: did life ever exist on the Red Planet?