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ongoingAsteroid & comet · sample return

Tianwen-2

天问二号

As of: 01/06/2026Launched: 29/05/2025

Source/Licence: placeholder image – to be cleared

Overview

China’s first asteroid sample-return mission, launched on 29 May 2025. The target is near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 (469219 Kamoʻoalewa); sampling is planned for mid-2026 and capsule return for late 2027 (both to be read as planned dates). The probe then travels on to main-belt comet 311P.

As of: 01 Jun 2026.

Quick facts

Status
ongoing
Launched
29/05/2025
Operator
CNSA

Mission goals

  • Sample return from the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 (469219 Kamoʻoalewa)
  • A subsequent flyby of the main-belt comet 311P

Timeline / milestones

  • 29 May 2025Launch
  • mid-2026 (planned)Sample collection at asteroid 2016 HO3
  • late 2027 (planned)Sample capsule return to Earth
  • afterwardsOnward flight to comet 311P

Scientific results / significance

China's first asteroid sample-return mission would, if successful, provide direct access to largely unaltered material from the early Solar System.

Video

— No verified video link yet.

Sources