On the horizon of space exploration, two new Mars missions are set to launch in July 2020. One is China’s inaugural venture, Tianwen-1, while the other is by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) called Perseverance. Both missions will collect invaluable data from our neighboring planet, adding to the ongoing quest to unlock its secrets.
While China’s attempts to reach Mars in 2012 with their ‘Yinghuo-1’ mission was unsuccessful, they hope to rectify past failures with the launch of the Tianwen-1. Meanwhile, NASA continues its numerous successful missions with the Perseverance rover set to gather Martian samples.
The Tianwen-1 Mission Explained
The Chinese mission is all set to launch on a Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang launch centre. As part of its payload, it will carry seven orbiters and six rovers, that are primed to explore the red planet.
The spacecraft consists of an orbiter, lander, and rover system. The orbiter is designed to circle Mars without landing, gathering data from above. The tetrahedron ‘petals’ shaped lander will house and protect the rover during the initial impact of landing. Meanwhile, the rover, a surface exploration device, will traverse across the Martian surface collecting data.
Mission Objectives
The Tianwen-1 mission will deploy a ground-penetrating radar on the Martian surface – a first in the history of Mars exploration. This radar aims to study local geology and the distribution of rock, ice, and dirt. The mission will also investigate soil characteristics, search for water, and study the Martian atmosphere.
The mission will attempt a landing on Mars, and if successful, it will make China the third country to achieve a Mars landing after the United States and the former USSR.
The Red Planet: Mars
Mars is the second smallest planet in our Solar System, positioned fourth from the Sun. It is about half the size of Earth. Its rotation and orbit mimic Earth’s, completing one rotation every 24.6 hours, and an axial tilt of 25 degrees—a close comparison to Earth’s 23.4 degrees. This similarity results in distinct seasons on Mars, though they last longer than on Earth due to its longer orbit around the Sun.
The surface of Mars exhibits beautiful colors such as brown, gold, and tan. However, the distinctive reddish hue, earning it the nickname ‘Red Planet’, is due to oxidation or rusting of iron within the rocks and dust. The planet also boasts of the solar system’s largest volcano, Olympus Mons, three times taller than Mt. Everest.
Atmosphere and Magnetosphere
Mars has a thin atmosphere primarily consisting of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon gases. The variance in temperatures can swing from a high of 20 degrees Celsius to a low of -153 degrees Celsius, due to the thin atmosphere permitting easy escape of heat. As of now, Mars has no magnetic field. However, areas in the southern hemisphere of the Martian crust are highly magnetized, indicating traces of a past magnetic field.
Moons and Previous Missions
Mars has two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, speculated to be captured asteroids. Mars landings have been carried out previously by the Soviet Union and the United States, with eight successful missions by the latter since 1976. The European Space Agency succeeded in placing their spacecraft into Mars’ orbit via Mars Express Mission.
Among other notable missions, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) or Mangalyaan, launched in 2013, embarked on a mission to study Martian surface and mineral composition and to scan its atmosphere for methane, a potential indicator of life on Mars.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024