China has accelerated its plans for the Tianwen-3 mission to Mars, aiming to launch the mission in 2028, two years earlier than previously planned. This move puts China ahead of the United States’ plan for a sample mission to the planet, which remains stuck due to significant delays and budget increases.
The chief designer of China’s Mars mission, Liu Jizhong, revealed the new timeline at the Second International Conference on Deep Space Exploration in Huangshan, Anhui province. The goal is to bring back approximately 600 grams (21 oz) of Martian soil, with samples expected to return to Earth around July 2031.
China’s swift progress stands in contrast to the US’ struggles to get its sample mission off the ground.
Source: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3277436/china-sets-historic-mars-mission-2028-us-plan-remains-limbo