China's Tianwen-1 mission is set to enter Mars orbit on February 10, 2021, paving the way for a rover landing in May. If successful, China will join the U.S. as the only nations to achieve a soft landing on the Red Planet.
Launched on July 28, 2020, by the China National Space Administration (CNSA), Tianwen-1 comprises an orbiter and a rover—marking China's first Mars mission. Building on its three successful Moon landings, this endeavor aims to map the planet's geology and detect water ice beneath the surface. Notably, over half of Mars missions since the 1960s have failed, underscoring the challenge ahead.
Originally anticipated for February 2021, CNSA recently confirmed the precise arrival date for Tianwen-1.
As of January 3, the 5-tonne spacecraft was approximately 130 million km from Earth and 8.3 million km from Mars. On February 10, it will fire its engines to enter orbit, positioning it about 190 million km from Earth after a 470 million km journey, per CNSA data.
At these distances, signals will face a ten-minute delay, preventing real-time control. The spacecraft will rely on pre-loaded commands.
Li Zhencai, deputy project commander, shared with Chinese media: "We plan to complete all orders with the Beijing Aerospace Control Center before January 24." A fourth trajectory correction was imminent.
The rover will remain attached to the orbiter until at least May, then descend to Utopia Planitia—a vast northern plain spanning 3,200 km, previously explored by NASA's Viking 2.
Tianwen-1 joins two other spacecraft nearing Mars. The UAE's Hope orbiter arrives February 9 to study the atmosphere and climate.
NASA's Perseverance rover targets a February 18 landing in Jezero Crater to hunt for signs of ancient life.
