Liu Jizhong, the chief designer of the Mars sample-return mission, provided details during the 2nd International Deep Space Exploration Conference held in Tunxi, Huangshan City, Anhui Province, China.

The mission's primary goal will be to search for signs of life on Mars. To achieve this, Chinese space engineers will need to overcome several technological challenges, including the collection of Martian surface samples, launching from the Red Planet, performing orbital rendezvous around Mars, and ensuring planetary protection throughout the mission, Liu explained.

The mission is planned to follow 13 distinct phases, employing methods like in-situ and remote-sensing detections.

Liu emphasized that China will strictly follow international agreements, implementing necessary measures to prevent contamination of both Mars and Earth during the mission, as well as safeguarding the samples collected.

The Tianwen-3 mission will also include payloads developed through international collaborations, with scientists from across the globe joining Chinese researchers in analyzing the Mars samples and data collected during the mission, Liu added.

In the longer term, China intends to work with other nations and research institutions to explore the possibility of constructing a research station on Mars. This collaboration will include defining mission objectives, conducting requirement analyses, researching concepts, designing implementation plans, and tackling critical technological challenges, Liu concluded.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

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