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ongoingMars · orbiter, lander, rover

Tianwen-1

天问一号

As of: 01/06/2026Planned: launched 2020

Source/Licence: placeholder image – to be cleared

Overview

China’s first independent Mars mission comprises an orbiter, lander and the Zhurong (祝融) rover; landing occurred in May 2021. According to CNSA, the orbiter remains active in 2026, while Zhurong has been dormant since May 2022. About 3.5 terabytes of science data are publicly available worldwide.

As of: 01 Jun 2026.

Quick facts

Status
ongoing
Planned
launched 2020
Launch vehicle
Long March 5 (CZ-5)
Launch site
Wenchang Space Launch Site
Operator
CNSA

Mission goals

  • Combining orbit, landing and rover exploration of Mars in a single mission
  • Studying Mars's surface, atmosphere and subsurface

Timeline / milestones

  • July 2020Launch
  • February 2021Mars orbit insertion
  • May 2021Landing, deployment of the Zhurong rover
  • May 2022Zhurong enters hibernation, not reactivated since
  • 2026Orbiter still scientifically active

Scientific results / significance

China's first independent Mars mission succeeded on the first attempt with an orbiter, lander and rover all at once — a rare combination. About 3.5 terabytes of science data are now publicly available worldwide.

Video

— No verified video link yet.

Sources