Lesson 5 of 5 · New targets, new evidence
New targets, new evidence
5 minute lesson · 3 checks along the way
Your goal for this lessonDistinguish Tianwen-2’s documented launch from its planned scientific outcomes.
In this lesson 3 sections · 3 checks
Using archive links & definitions
Follow a linked name to explore its archive card. “Back to your lesson” brings you to the same part of the reading.
Read & understand
Beyond the first Mars mission
Tianwen-2 launched in May 2025. The Chinese Academy of Sciences described a mission to collect material from asteroid 2016 HO3 and later investigate comet 311P. Those were intended objectives in its June 2025 account. This lesson uses that dated plan and does not claim that sampling, return or the comet encounter has already happened.
Check 1 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Read & understand
Small gravity changes the problem
A small body’s weak gravity makes surface contact different from landing on Mars. In a fictional sampling rehearsal, a force that would barely affect a heavy lander pushes a small probe away from its target. Teams must characterize motion, shape and surface conditions while designing a controlled contact and departure sequence.
Chang Zheng 3B Y110 launches Tianwen-2 from Xichang on May 29, 2025, local time. The spacecraft and return capsule are enclosed in the fairing. Display image resized and compressed.
Look closely
Which intended outcomes cannot be read from this image?
See what to notice
Sample acquisition, return and later comet investigation require subsequent mission evidence.
Check 2 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Read & understand
A launch is the opening evidence
The photograph shows the launch vehicle carrying Tianwen-2, with the spacecraft enclosed. It establishes neither collected samples nor their composition. Keep three columns when following an unfolding program: completed events, published plans and unresolved questions. Update each column from dated records rather than allowing a future-tense objective to become a past-tense achievement.
Check 3 of 3
10 pointsUse the reading above. You can try again without losing points.
Put it together
Your lesson progress
Each check connects to a part of the story. Complete all 3 to earn your 25-point lesson bonus.
Explore further · Optional
Go to the source
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