Tianwen-1

Russia has declared a new space race, hoping to join forces with China. Here's why that's unlikely

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 23, 2023

This week, the Russian space agency Roscosmos had hoped to return to the Moon after an absence of nearly 50 years.

Key Points: 
  • This week, the Russian space agency Roscosmos had hoped to return to the Moon after an absence of nearly 50 years.
  • The agency explained the spacecraft “switched to an off-design orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the lunar surface”.
  • His statement sounds like it is less about the scientific exploration of the lunar surface, and more about geopolitical posturing.
  • These appointments have allowed me to gain unique insights into the processes driving China’s space science program.

A lunar outpost

    • The lunar south pole region is thought to contain significant water reservoirs locked in grains of ice.
    • That makes the area interesting as a potential staging post for future missions to Mars and beyond, as lunar explorers can use the water for survival.
    • In early 2021, Roscosmos and the China National Space Administration signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly establish an International Lunar Research Station by the mid-2030s.

No need for a space race

    • China will unlikely be coerced into rushing its planned milestones.
    • As such, the notion of a “space race” involving China seems a moot point.
    • Its ageing technology pales in comparison with the leaps of modernisation we have witnessed in relation to China’s progress in space.

Venturing out to the planets

    • That mission successfully deployed the Zhurong rover (named after a Chinese mythological god of fire), a major technological feat in its own right.
    • Future plans include the development of a next-generation crewed spacecraft to replace the workhorse Shenzhou (Divine Vessel on the Heavenly River) series.
    • Read more:
      China's new space station opens for business in an increasingly competitive era of space activity

NASA Statement on China's Zhurong Mars Rover Photos

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, May 19, 2021

b'WASHINGTON, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson issued the following statement Wednesday after the China National Space Administration\'s release of the first photos from the Zhurong Mars rover:\n"Congratulations to the China National Space Administration on receiving the first images from the Zhurong Mars rover!"

Key Points: 
  • b'WASHINGTON, May 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --NASA Administrator Sen. Bill Nelson issued the following statement Wednesday after the China National Space Administration\'s release of the first photos from the Zhurong Mars rover:\n"Congratulations to the China National Space Administration on receiving the first images from the Zhurong Mars rover!"
  • I look forward to future international discoveries, which will help inform and develop the capabilities needed to land human boots on Mars.
  • "\nCNSA\'s successful landing of the Zhurong rover last week makes it only the second nation to ever land successfully on Mars.
  • Zhurong joins active NASA missions the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers and Insight Lander in exploring the surface of the Red Planet.\nFor more information on NASA and agency activities, visit:\nView original content to download multimedia: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-statement-on-chinas-zhurong...\n'

Mars in Sight as Multiple Spacecraft Launches Announced

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, August 12, 2020

NASA's Mars 2020 spacecraft carrying the Perseverance rover was launched on July 30.

Key Points: 
  • NASA's Mars 2020 spacecraft carrying the Perseverance rover was launched on July 30.
  • China's Tianwen-1 and the United Arab Emirates' Hope Probe also launched last week.
  • However, the European and Russian Space Agencies have delayed the launch of their ExoMars rover citing concerns over the coronavirus and spacecraft component readiness.
  • The final version of Starship will feature six Raptor engines and will be capable of carrying up to 100 people.

Multiple Spacecraft Launch to Mars - ResearchAndMarkets.com

Retrieved on: 
Monday, August 10, 2020

NASA's Mars 2020 spacecraft carrying the Perseverance rover was launched on July 30.

Key Points: 
  • NASA's Mars 2020 spacecraft carrying the Perseverance rover was launched on July 30.
  • China's Tianwen-1 and the United Arab Emirates' Hope Probe also launched last week.
  • However, the European and Russian Space Agencies have delayed the launch of their ExoMars rover citing concerns over the coronavirus and spacecraft component readiness.
  • The joint agency mission is now intended to launch between August and October 2022.