Latest news with #Tianwen-2
Evening Standard
17-07-2025
- Science
- Evening Standard
China developing military space tech ‘breathtakingly fast' as they threaten to blast ahead of US in space race
The country has reportedly just pulled off the world's first refuelling of satellites within orbit, according to a US space observation company that has been tracking the routes of the Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites. In late May, it launched its Tianwen-2 mission, which aims to land a vessel on a moving asteroid, collect samples and return them to Earth — something analysts believe could be a precursor to a Moon mission. And the Tianwen-3 mission, due to lift off in 2028 and return to our planet in 2031, already has its mission outlined: to head to Mars, collect samples and fly back. Where once the United States was charting the course in space, it now seems China is equalling — if not outstripping — its rival.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth
China's space program took a major stride this past week as two of its satellites seemingly docked together in what could have been the country's first high-altitude attempt at refueling a satellite while in orbit. The Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 satellites appeared to dock with one another last week more than 20,000 miles above the planet in geosynchronous orbit, in which a satellite's orbital period matches the pace of the Earth's rotation, according to news outlet Ars Technica. Us Warfighters Are Losing A Massive Force Multiplier Advantage As China Advances In Space While Chinese officials have not recently released any updates about the two satellites, civilian satellite trackers showed Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 moving closer together before becoming indistinguishable from one another, Ars Technica reported. These two satellites docking in geosynchronous orbit could indicate that China has the potential to disable another country's satellite in space, Ars Technica reported. China Launches Tianwen-2 Space Probe To Collect Samples From Asteroid Near Mars Read On The Fox News App However, the U.S. Space Force has similarly been interested in orbital refueling as military satellites often have limited fuel supplies. The military branch is slated to perform its first-ever refueling of a U.S. military asset in orbit as early as next summer. American officials may have taken note of the apparent docking by China last week, as two of the Space Force's inspector satellites appeared to move closer to Shijian-21 and Shijian-25 following the maneuver, Ars Technica reported. Geosynchronous orbit, which is situated at an altitude of around 22,236 miles, is popular among military and commercial satellites as it means they have a fixed view of the planet and can provide military forces with information like early warnings of missile attacks, according to Ars Technica. China Accuses Us Of 'Turning Space Into A Warzone' With Trump's Golden Dome Missile Defense Project In April, Space Force Gen. Chance Saltzman described China's explosive advances in space as "mind-boggling" and warned the U.S. is on a path to losing its dominance in orbit. Testifying before the bipartisan U.S.-China Commission, Saltzman said China is "heavily investing" in both ground-based and space-based weapons designed to disable enemy satellites, including kinetic strikes, radio-frequency jamming and directed energy weapons. China also increased its military spending by 7% this year, stockpiling anti-satellite missiles and claiming to possess directed energy weapons that use concentrated energy beams to jam satellite signals. The U.S. Space Force and NASA did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for article source: Chinese satellites complete groundbreaking mission 22,000 miles above Earth
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Trump is downsizing NASA and handing over the space race to China
A staggering 2,145 senior NASA employees - about 11% of the agency's total workforce - are set to leave as part of a sweeping downsizing effort, signaling a period of deep uncertainty for the US space program. This unprecedented exodus comes as China 's space sector surges, now employing over 170,000 people- a workforce nearly ten times larger than NASA's - highlighting the stark divergence between the two nations' approaches to space exploration NASA: Shrinking workforce, budget woes, and mission risks NASA's workforce, currently around 18,000 employees, is bracing for a significant loss of expertise. The departing staff are primarily in GS-13 to GS-15 roles, representing senior leadership and technical positions essential to the agency's most complex missions. Notably, 1,818 of those leaving work directly in science and human spaceflight, with hundreds more in mission support roles such as IT, facilities, and finance. Critical centers like the Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers are among the hardest hit, with hundreds of staff departing from each. The cuts are being driven by the Trump administration's proposed $6 billion reduction to NASA's 2025 budget, which threatens to cancel dozens of science programs and jeopardize major projects, including the Gateway lunar orbit station. The agency is offering early retirement, buyouts, and deferred resignations to minimize involuntary layoffs, but the scale of the departures has already raised alarms about a 'brain drain' that could disrupt ongoing and future missions. Compounding the crisis is the absence of a confirmed NASA administrator, following the abrupt withdrawal of nominee Jared Isaacman. This leadership gap further complicates strategic planning at a time when the agency is under intense pressure to do more with less. Program impact: Missions at risk The staff exodus and budget squeeze threaten to undermine NASA's most ambitious projects: Live Events Artemis II Program (returning Americans to the Moon) scheduled for 2026 and Mars Sample Return missions are at risk due to the loss of experienced engineers and managers. Dozens of science programs face cancellation, and the agency's ability to maintain its role in international collaborations is in jeopardy. China: Expanding workforce, growing budget, and unbroken momentum While NASA contracts, China's space program is rapidly expanding. China's space program, coordinated by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and executed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is supported by a workforce exceeding 170,000 employees across its various agencies and state-owned enterprises. This vast pool of engineers, scientists, and support staff enables China to rapidly scale up its ambitions and sustain a high tempo of missions. China's recent track record is marked by a string of high-profile successes: Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission launched in 2025, aiming to bring back pristine samples from a near-Earth asteroid. Chang'e-6 lunar mission set to return samples from the Moon's far side. Tiangong space station fully operational, supporting long-duration human missions and international science collaborations. Multiple new partnerships, including joint missions with Europe and invitations to over 30 countries to join its lunar research initiatives. China's centralized approach enables rapid decision-making, efficient resource allocation, and consistent progress on ambitious goals—contrasting sharply with NASA's current budget and staffing turmoil. Will China rocket over NASA sooner than anticipated? The simultaneous downscaling of NASA's workforce and budget, combined with leadership instability, is eroding America's traditional dominance in space. The loss of over 2,000 senior staff threatens to disrupt critical missions and diminish the agency's capacity for innovation at a time when global competition is intensifying. In contrast, China is capitalizing on this moment, expanding its workforce, increasing its budget, and executing complex missions with growing international participation. If current trends continue, China is poised to overtake the U.S. in several key areas of space exploration, fundamentally reshaping the global balance of power in the final frontier. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space
China's Tianwen-2 probe has officially begun its deep space mission by capturing a stunning image of Earth and the Moon from 590,000 kilometers away. Released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on July 1, the image symbolises the start of a decade-long journey to explore a near-Earth asteroid and a distant comet. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Launched on May 29, Tianwen-2 will collect samples from asteroid Kamo'oalewa by 2027 and later investigate comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This dual-target mission marks a significant step forward for China's space program, aiming to unlock key secrets about the origin of the Moon, water, and life. Tianwen-2 probe: Earth-Moon images from deep space released by CNSA The stunning photo was taken on May 30, 2025, when Tianwen-2 was nearly 590,000 kilometers away from Earth. The picture beautifully frames Earth and its natural satellite, the Moon, together in the vast darkness of space. This image was captured using the spacecraft's narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor, an instrument designed to help the spacecraft maintain its orientation and enable precise autonomous navigation. This camera plays a critical role in guiding Tianwen-2 through deep space, allowing it to operate independently from ground control while maintaining stability during its long voyage. Source: CNSA Source: CNSA Tianwen-2 marks milestone with over 12 million km travelled since May 29 launch As of July 1, 2025 , CNSA reports that Tianwen-2 is operating smoothly. As reported, the Tianwen-2 probe has been in orbit for 33 days with a distance of 12 million kilometres since its May 29 launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 3B rocket. Its successful performance in this early stage builds confidence in its ability to complete its complex multi-target mission. This probe is part of China's broader space strategy to expand its scientific reach beyond the Moon and Mars, pushing boundaries into asteroid and comet exploration—domains previously dominated by NASA, ESA, and JAXA. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tianwen-2 heads toward Kamo'oalewa; a mysterious near-Earth asteroid Tianwen-2 is heading toward Kamo'oalewa, a small near-Earth asteroid that orbits the Sun in a path similar to Earth's. What makes this asteroid particularly intriguing is the hypothesis that it might be a fragment of the Moon, dislodged by a massive impact event in the distant past. Upon arrival in 2026, the spacecraft will conduct detailed investigations, including: Surface imaging and mapping Material composition analysis Landing and sample collection The samples will then be returned to Earth by 2027, providing researchers with rare, untouched material from a near-Earth object—potentially from the Moon's ancient past. Tianwen-2 to explore mysterious comet after asteroid sample return Tianwen-2's mission doesn't end after the asteroid sample returns. It will be re-tasked to study the comet 311P/PANSTARRS, known for its active tail and mysterious dust ejection events. This phase of the mission could begin shortly after the asteroid visit and will involve: Close flybys of the comet's nucleus Observations of gas and dust activity Analysis of chemical composition Scientists hope this exploration could provide vital clues about the origin of Earth's water and organic molecules, helping to answer one of science's oldest questions—how life-supporting ingredients arrived on our planet. Tianwen-2 sets a new standard with 10-year asteroid-to-comet space voyage According to The Astronomy Magazine , the Tianwen-2 mission is planned to last more than 10 years, making it one of the longest and most scientifically rich deep-space missions in China's history. Its dual-phase nature—first targeting an asteroid, then a comet—requires exceptional engineering and mission planning. This strategy mirrors the complexity and ambition of missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx and ESA's Rosetta, but with a uniquely Chinese twist: combining asteroid sample return and comet observation into a single, seamless voyage. Also Read |
Sustainability Times
11-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'China's Bold Plan Unveiled': A Deep-Sea Space Station 6560 Feet Underwater Set to Revolutionize Marine Exploration by 2030
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 China plans to build a deep-sea research station 6,500 feet below sea level by 2030. plans to build a deep-sea research station 6,500 feet below sea level by 2030. 🔬 The facility will enable extended research on cold seeps and deep-sea ecosystems, offering new scientific insights. and deep-sea ecosystems, offering new scientific insights. ⚡ The project highlights the potential for renewable energy solutions through methane deposits in the ocean floor. solutions through methane deposits in the ocean floor. 🌍 Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea may impact the station's development due to contested territorial claims. China has embarked on a pioneering journey to construct an underwater research station that promises to revolutionize marine exploration. By 2030, this futuristic facility is set to operate at an incredible depth of 6,500 feet below sea level, enabling scientists to delve into uncharted territories of our oceans. This groundbreaking endeavor, often dubbed a 'deep-sea space station,' underscores the parallels between the mysteries of the ocean and those of outer space. With such a facility, the potential for scientific discovery is immense, offering new insights into the enigmatic world beneath the waves. Revolutionary Underwater Habitat for Extended Deep-Sea Research The Chinese government has approved the construction of a highly advanced underwater installation, poised to be one of the most complex ever attempted. This technological marvel will house up to six researchers for month-long missions, providing research opportunities reminiscent of the International Space Station, but within the ocean's depths. The scientific possibilities this facility presents are vast and inspiring. Currently, marine scientists face numerous challenges when exploring deep-sea environments. Just as the James Webb Telescope has transformed our understanding of distant galaxies, this underwater station aims to revolutionize our knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems. Given that over 80% of Earth's oceans remain unexplored, this project represents a pivotal advancement in marine science. By maintaining a continuous human presence at such depths, researchers can achieve breakthroughs that are currently unattainable. 'NASA Didn't See This Coming': China's Tianwen-2 Asteroid Mission Stuns U.S. Scientists and Sparks Urgent High-Level Space Response This state-of-the-art station will operate in conjunction with unmanned submersibles, specialized ships, and seabed observatories, forming a comprehensive 'four-dimensional' monitoring system. This integrated approach will significantly enhance data collection capabilities, providing an exhaustive analysis of the underwater environment. One of the primary research focuses of the underwater station will be 'cold seeps' — unique areas where hydrocarbon or methane-rich fluids emerge from beneath the ocean floor. These intriguing environments support diverse ecosystems that could unlock secrets to deep-sea biodiversity. Much like underwater volcanoes that host unexpected life forms, these seeps are biological hotspots that warrant extensive study. 'China Tightens Solar Grip': Already Dominating the Market, Beijing Unveils New Tech to Cement Total Global Control Beyond ecological significance, these sites offer potential insights into renewable energy solutions through their unique gaseous properties. The methane deposits associated with cold seeps represent an estimated 70 billion tons of untapped resources, offering significant energy potential. Furthermore, microorganisms found in these environments could provide breakthrough applications for environmental remediation by playing crucial roles in naturally degrading oil spills. China's investment in deep-sea technology complements its other scientific advancements, such as breakthroughs in quantum computing and massive renewable energy projects. This underwater station is another ambitious addition to China's growing portfolio of cutting-edge scientific initiatives. According to the South China Morning Post, this project further solidifies China's position as a leader in scientific innovation. 'U.S. Navy on High Alert': China's Fleet of 6 Supercarriers Triggers Global Tensions and Redefines Sea Power Balance Geopolitical Considerations in the South China Sea The planned location of the underwater station in the South China Sea raises important geopolitical considerations. Several nations, including Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines, contest China's claims in this strategically significant region. These disputes could potentially impact the project's development timeline, as the valuable hydrocarbon and methane deposits the station aims to study are part of the contested resources. China's technological capabilities continue to advance rapidly across multiple domains, from advanced satellite technologies to nuclear fusion research facilities. The underwater research station represents a significant leap in human capacity for deep-sea habitation. While individual underwater living experiments have been conducted, this permanent facility would enable systematic, ongoing research programs at unprecedented depths. Just as space exploration has revealed new celestial bodies and mysterious cosmic phenomena, this deep-sea station promises to unveil secrets from Earth's final frontier — the vast, largely unexplored oceans that cover most of our planet's surface. As China pushes the boundaries of marine exploration with its ambitious underwater station, the world watches with anticipation. This project holds the promise of not only advancing scientific knowledge but also potentially altering geopolitical dynamics in the region. As we stand on the brink of these new discoveries, one must wonder: what other secrets do Earth's oceans hold, waiting to be unearthed by the curious minds of tomorrow? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)
