China has begun manufacturing satellites for transporting Martian soil samples

The Chinese mission “Tianwen‑3” moves into the construction of spacecraft

In March 2026, Tianwen‑3 project specialists achieved significant technological breakthroughs in four key areas:

1. Collection and sealing of samples on the Martian surface.

2. Ejection from Mars orbit – launching a module capable of detaching from Earth and returning.

3. Rendezvous and docking in Martian space – connecting the return module with the orbital vehicle.

4. Descent to Earth – system for bringing samples back to our planet’s surface.

Now it is time to move from research to building practical prototypes ready for flight.

Launch plan
- Two Chang‑E‑5 rocket launches at the end of 2028.
- *First launch* will deliver a lander and ascent vehicle to Mars.
- *Second launch* will carry the orbital module linked with the sample return vehicle.
- Sample collection:
- On the Martian surface, samples will be taken using a drill, scoop, and a small drone (operational radius of several hundred meters).
- Minimum mass of collected samples – 500 g.
- Transport to orbit:
- The lift‑vehicle will bring the sample container to the orbital module where docking occurs.
- After docking, the objects will be sent back to Earth.

Scientific objectives
1. Search for biosignatures – evidence of past or present life.
2. Geological study of Mars, its atmosphere, and assessment of potential habitability.

*Preferred landing zones*:
- Plains: Utopia Planitia, Amazonis Planitia, Chryse Planitia.
- Candidates for investigation: Ma’adim Vallis, McLaughlin crater, and Oxia Planum, where ancient water systems and minerals capable of preserving organic compounds have been found.

Zone selection takes into account both scientific value and engineering constraints – elevation, latitude, illumination, and accessibility for the mission.

Prospects and international cooperation
- Tianwen‑3 is the first mission in history that can successfully return samples from Mars to Earth around 2031.
- Unlike the American Mars Sample Return program (canceled in 2026 due to financial difficulties), the Chinese project continues to develop actively within a new five‑year plan.
- The project is open to international partnership, making it an important contribution to global development of space technologies and science.

Thus, the Tianwen‑3 mission not only demonstrates China’s technological progress but also opens new opportunities for joint Mars research worldwide.