China’s secretive, military-linked space program has progressed considerably since then. In December, its Chang’e 5 mission was the first to bring lunar rocks to Earth since the 1970s. China was also the first country to land a spacecraft on the little-explored far side of the moon in 2019.
Tianwen, the title of an ancient poem, means “Quest for Heavenly Truth.”
The mission is China’s most ambitious yet. If all goes as planned, the rover would separate from the spacecraft and attempt to touch down, likely in May. China would become only the second nation to do so successfully.
Landing a spacecraft on Martian soil is notoriously difficult, and China’s attempt will involve a parachute, back-firing rockets and airbags. Its proposed landing site is inside the massive, rock-strewn, Utopia Planitia, where the US Viking 2 lander touched down in 1976.
The solar-powered rover, about the size of a golf cart, is expected to operate for about three months, and the orbiter for two years.
How to watch the landing in the UK
NASA will be live streaming coverage of the landing across its YouTube channel on NASA TV, which you can find here.Â
You will also be able to watch the broadcast live on NASA’s social media platforms, including Facebook.
