China’s first interplanetary mission, Tianwen-1, successfully entered today Mars orbit. Tianwen-1 will gradually lower its orbit to allow for observations of Mars.
It will also begin preparations for the entry, descent and landing attempt of a 240-kilogram solar powered rover, an event expected to take place around May or June, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.
Tianwen-1 joins the United Arab Emirates’ Hope mission, which arrived Tuesday, in orbit around the Red Planet. NASA’s Perseverance rover will arrive and make a soft landing attempt Feb. 18.
Credit SPACENEWS
