With NASA's plan faltering, China knows it can be first with Mars sample return
Briefly

China plans to launch two Long March 5 rockets for its Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission in 2028, aiming to bring Mars samples back to Earth by 2031.
The chief designer of the Tianwen-3 mission, Liu Jizhong, indicated that monitoring the timeline is critical, but exact return dates for Mars samples remain uncertain.
China's goal to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030 aligns with its broader aspirations for lunar exploration, including the establishment of the International Lunar Research Station.
In contrast, NASA is working with private companies to revamp its Mars sample return mission, emphasizing the urgency and cost-efficiency needed to meet their ambitious timeline.
Read at Ars Technica
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