Tianwen-1

{{Short description|Interplanetary mission by China to place an orbiter, lander, and rover on Mars}} {{Use British English|date=June 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}  {{Infobox spaceflight | name = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen-1|italic=no}} 天问一号 | image = Mars Global Remote Sensing Orbiter and Small Rover (2020).png | image_caption = The {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter (below) and the capsule housing the lander and ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover (top). | image_upright = 1 | names_list = {{transliteration|zh|Huoxing|italic=no}}-1 ({{lang|zh|火星-1}}) (2018–2020)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2019/1012/360558.html|title=中国火星探测器露真容明年发射|work=Ta Kung Pao|date=12 October 2019|access-date=19 June 2021|language=zh|archive-date=16 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216192025/http://www.takungpao.com/news/232108/2019/1012/360558.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ger_2018_small_mobile.pdf |title=The Global Exploration Roadmap |publisher=International Space Exploration Coordination Group |date=January 2018 |access-date=13 December 2018 |archive-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127160706/https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/ger_2018_small_mobile.pdf |url-status=live }} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref name='RM 2018'>{{cite book|last=Wang|first=F.|url=http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2018/copuos2018tech19E.pdf|title=China's Cooperation Plan on Lunar and Deep Space Exploration|year=2018|publisher=United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs|access-date=19 June 2020|archive-date=14 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214163019/http://www.unoosa.org/documents/pdf/copuos/2018/copuos2018tech19E.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | mission_type = Mars exploration | operator = CNSA | COSPAR_ID = 2020-049A | SATCAT = 45935 | mission_duration = {{Ubl|{{time interval|23 July 2020 04:41|show=dhm|sep=,}} (''since launch'')|Orbiter: 2 Earth years (planned)|{{time interval|10 February 2021 11:52|show=dhm|sep=,}} (''since orbit insertion'')|''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'': 90 sols (93 earth days) (planned)<ref name="Xinhua 03212016">{{cite news |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/21/c_135209176.htm|title=China Exclusive: China's aim to explore Mars|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=21 March 2016|access-date=24 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326123755/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2016-03/21/c_135209176.htm|archive-date=26 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>|358 days (''since deployment'')<ref>{{cite web |title=China breaks silence over status of Mars rover Zhurong |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/25/china-breaks-silence-over-status-of-mars-rover-zhurong |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref>}}

| spacecraft = {{Hlist|Orbiter|lander|''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}''|2 {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Deployable Cameras (TDCs)|{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Remote Camera (TRC)}} | manufacturer = SAST CAST | launch_mass = {{Ubl|Total: {{cvt|5000|kg}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6809882/content.html |title=Tianwen-1 |publisher=China National Space Administration (CNSA) |access-date=December 2, 2022 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727020948/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6809882/content.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|Orbiter: {{cvt|3715|kg}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzkyMzI3MTAwMw==&mid=2247495738&idx=1&sn=f026ca3fd0baa5f2e9beb84a1a5502e3&source=41#wechat_redirect |title=509所为你解密火星环绕器结构设计！ |author=上海卫星 |date=2021-02-14 |language=zh-hans |accessdate=2023-01-17 |archive-date=17 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117061724/https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s?__biz=MzkyMzI3MTAwMw==&mid=2247495738&idx=1&sn=f026ca3fd0baa5f2e9beb84a1a5502e3&source=41#wechat_redirect |url-status=live }}</ref>|''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'': {{cvt|240|kg}}}} | landing_mass = | dry_mass = | payload_mass = | dimensions = ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'': {{cvt|2.6|x|3|x|1.85|m}} | power =

| launch_date = 23 July 2020, 04:41:15 UTC<ref>{{cite web|last=Wall|first=Mike|title=China launches ambitious {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Mars rover mission|url=https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-mission-launch.html|website=Space.com|date=23 July 2020|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=23 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200723073549/https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-mission-launch.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | launch_rocket = Long March 5 (Y4) | launch_site = Wenchang LC-101 | launch_contractor = China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

{{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = orbiter | object = Mars | orbits = | component = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Orbiter | arrival_date = 10 February 2021, 11:52 UTC<ref name="cnsa20201117">{{cite web|url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6810497/content.html|title=天问一号探测器飞行里程突破3亿千米|website=cnsa.gov.cn|publisher=China National Space Administration|date=17 November 2020|access-date=12 January 2021|language=zh|trans-title={{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 has flown more than 300 million kilometres|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117043310/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6810497/content.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NSF orbit insertion"/> }} {{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = flyby | object = Mars | component = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Deployable Camera 1 (TDC-1) | arrival_date = {{circa}}10 February 2021 (deployed from {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Orbiter in September 2020)<ref name="SpaceflightNow">{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Stephen|title=China's Mars-bound probe returns self-portrait from deep space|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/10/06/chinas-mars-bound-probe-returns-self-portrait-from-deep-space/|website=Spaceflight Now|date=6 October 2020|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=8 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008122055/https://spaceflightnow.com/2020/10/06/chinas-mars-bound-probe-returns-self-portrait-from-deep-space/|url-status=live}}</ref> }}

{{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = lander | object = Mars | component = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Lander | arrival_date = 14 May 2021, 23:18 UTC<ref name=cnsa202105>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812001/content.html|title=我国首次火星探测任务着陆火星取得圆满成功|date=15 May 2021|access-date=15 May 2021|quote=科研团队根据“祝融号”火星车发回遥测信号确认，5月15日7时18|website=cnsa.gov.cn |language=zh|publisher=China National Space Administration|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515033018/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812001/content.html|archive-date=15 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=lander202105>{{cite news|url=http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2021/05-15/9477804.shtml|date=15 May 2021|title=天问一号成功着陆火星！|agency=China News Service|access-date=19 June 2021|language=zh|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515015308/http://www.chinanews.com/gn/2021/05-15/9477804.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bjd>{{cite news|last=Zhang|first=Hang|url=https://tech.bjd.com.cn/2021/05/15/87615t133.html|date=15 May 2021|title=官宣！7时18分！"天问一号"探测器成功着陆火星|work=Beijing Daily|access-date=19 June 2021|language=zh|archive-date=18 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211218203941/https://news.bjd.com.cn/tech/2021/05/15/87615t133.html|url-status=live}}</ref> MSD 52387 06:38 AMT | location = Utopia Planitia<ref name="landing site"/> {{coord|25.066|N|109.925|E|globe:Mars|display=inline,title}}<ref name="space15may21">{{cite web|title=China's 1st Mars rover '{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}}' lands on the Red Planet|url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-landing-success-tianwen-1-zhurong|first=Hanneke|last=Weitering|date=15 May 2021|work=Space.com|access-date=16 May 2021|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515013311/https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-landing-success-tianwen-1-zhurong|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LiuEtAl2021">{{cite journal |last1=Liu |first1=J. |last2=Lai | first2=C. |last3=Zhang |first3=R. | last4=Rao | first4=W. | last5=Cui | first5=X. |last6=Geng | first6=Y. |last7=Jia|first7=Y.| last8=Hiang|first8=H. | last9=Ren|first9=X. | last10=Yan|first10=W. |date=6 December 2021 |title=Geomorphic contexts and science focus of the Zhurong landing site on Mars |journal=Nature Astronomy |volume=6 |pages=65–71 |doi=10.1038/s41550-021-01519-5 |s2cid=244931773 |doi-access=free }}</ref> }}

{{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = rover | object = Mars | component = ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' Rover | arrival_date = 14 May 2021, 23:18 UTC (deployed from {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander on 22 May 2021, 02:40 UTC)<ref name="room.eu.com">{{cite magazine|url=https://room.eu.com/news/china-is-about-to-land-its-zhurong-rover-on-mars|title=China is about to land its {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover on Mars|magazine=Room|date=14 May 2021|access-date=16 May 2021|first=Kerry|last=Hebden|quote=The same Chinese space watchers who revealed the impending descent also report that {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} will begin exploration on 22 May|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515233320/https://room.eu.com/news/china-is-about-to-land-its-zhurong-rover-on-mars|url-status=live}}</ref> | location = Utopia Planitia<ref name="landing site"/> {{coord|25.066|N|109.925|E|globe:Mars}}<ref name="LiuEtAl2021" /> | distance = {{Convert|1.921|km|abbr=on}} {{as of|2022|5|5|lc=y}}<ref name=May>{{Cite web |url=http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2022/0506/c1004-32415530.html |title="祝融号"火星车准备越冬环绕器持续开展环绕探测 |date=2022-05-06 |publisher=人民网 |language=zh-hans |accessdate=2022-05-06 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506023726/http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2022/0506/c1004-32415530.html |url-status=live }}</ref> }} {{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = lander | object = Mars | component = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Remote Camera (TRC) | arrival_date = 14 May 2021, 23:18 UTC (deployed from {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover on 1 June 2021 which itself was deployed from {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander on 22 May 2021, 02:40 UTC)<ref name="hiresimagerelease">{{cite web|title=天问一号探测器着陆火星首批科学影像图揭幕|url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812123/content.html|website=cnsa.gov.cn|publisher=China National Space Administration|date=11 June 2021|access-date=12 June 2021|language=zh|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611092635/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812123/content.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | location = Utopia Planitia<ref name="landing site"/> {{coord|25.066|N|109.925|E|globe:Mars}}<ref name="LiuEtAl2021" /> }} {{Infobox spaceflight/IP | type = orbiter | object = Mars | orbits = | component = {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Deployable Camera 2 (TDC-2) | arrival_date = 10 February 2021, 11:52 UTC (entered orbit with the orbiter but was released from {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Orbiter on 31 December 2021)<ref name="mp.weixin.qq.com">{{Cite web|date=1 January 2022|title=New Year's Day greetings-China National Space Administration releases the images returned by the Tianwen-1 probe|url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/hUJHZD10VONAulzIXnfFtA|access-date=1 January 2022|archive-date=1 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101004107/https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/hUJHZD10VONAulzIXnfFtA|url-status=live}}</ref> }} | insignia = China Mars Exploration Mission Logo-2.png | insignia_alt = Chinese Planetary Exploration Mars logo | insignia_caption = Planetary Exploration of China Mars logo | programme = Tianwen program | next_mission = Tianwen-2 }}

{{Chinese | image = | caption = | order = st | s = 天问一号 | t = 天問一號 | p = TiānWèn Yī Hào | w = | myr = TyānWèn YīHàu | c = 天问一号 }}{{transliteration|zh|'''Tianwen'''|italic=no}}'''-1''' ({{lang-zh |s = 天问一号}}) (also referred to as '''TW-1''') is an interplanetary mission by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) which sent a robotic spacecraft to Mars, consisting of six spacecraft: an orbiter, two deployable cameras, lander, remote camera, and the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover.<ref name="NYT-20210514">{{cite news |last1=Myers |first1=Steven Lee |last2=Chang |first2=Kenneth |title=China's Mars Rover Mission Lands on the Red Planet |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/science/china-mars.html |date=14 May 2021 |work=The New York Times |access-date=16 May 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=26 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026212540/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/14/science/china-mars.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The spacecraft, with a total mass of nearly five tons, is one of the heaviest probes launched to Mars and carries 14 scientific instruments. It is the first in a series of planned missions undertaken by CNSA as part of its Planetary Exploration of China program.

The mission's scientific objectives include: investigation of Martian surface geology and internal structure, search for indications of current and past presence of water, and characterization of the space environment and the atmosphere of Mars.

The mission was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on 23 July 2020<ref name="AJ23July2020">{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Andrew|title={{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 launches for Mars, marking dawn of Chinese interplanetary exploration|url=https://spacenews.com/tianwen-1-launches-for-mars-marking-dawn-of-chinese-interplanetary-exploration/|access-date=23 July 2020|magazine=SpaceNews|date=23 July 2020|archive-date=10 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110125542/https://spacenews.com/tianwen-1-launches-for-mars-marking-dawn-of-chinese-interplanetary-exploration/|url-status=live}}</ref> on a Long March 5 heavy-lift launch vehicle. After seven months of transit through the inner Solar System, the spacecraft entered Martian orbit on 10 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|last=Roulette|first=Joey|title=Three countries are due to reach Mars in the next two weeks|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/5/22266752/uae-china-nasa-mars-missions|website=The Verge|access-date=7 February 2021|date=5 February 2021|archive-date=5 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205181816/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/5/22266752/uae-china-nasa-mars-missions|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NSF orbit insertion">{{cite web|last=Gebhardt|first=Chris|title=China, with {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1, begins tenure at Mars with successful orbital arrival|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/02/china-ready-to-begin-mars-tenure-with-tianwen-1-orbit-insertion/|website=NASASpaceFlight.com|access-date=10 February 2021|date=10 February 2021|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210110620/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/02/china-ready-to-begin-mars-tenure-with-tianwen-1-orbit-insertion/|url-status=live}}</ref> For the next three months the probe studied the target landing sites from a reconnaissance orbit. On 14 May 2021, the lander/rover portion of the mission successfully touched down on Mars,<ref name="NYT-20210514" /> making China the third nation<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/china-becomes-only-second-nation-history-land-rover-mars-n1267410 |title= China becomes only second nation in history to land a rover on Mars |website= NBC News |date= 15 May 2021 |first= Tim |last= Fitzsimons |access-date= 8 November 2022 |archive-date= 15 May 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210515005944/https://www.nbcnews.com/science/space/china-becomes-only-second-nation-history-land-rover-mars-n1267410 |url-status= live }}</ref> to make a soft landing on and establish communication from the Martian surface, after the Soviet Union and the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last=Corbett|first=Tobias|title=China succeeds on country's first Mars landing attempt with {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/05/china-first-mars-landing-attempt-tianwen-1/|website=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=14 May 2021|access-date=May 15, 2021|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514165345/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2021/05/china-first-mars-landing-attempt-tianwen-1/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The United Kingdom's ''Beagle 2'', part of the European Space Agency's ''Mars Express'' mission, appears to have landed successfully, but was unable to establish communications after failing to fully deploy its solar panels.<ref name="nasaspaceflight.beagle">{{Cite web|last=Graham |first=William |url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/03/proton-m-first-exomars-spacecraft/|title=Proton-M successfully launches first ExoMars spacecraft |website=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=13 March 2016|access-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160318014347/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/03/proton-m-first-exomars-spacecraft/|archive-date=18 March 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="times.beagle">{{Cite news|last=Goddard|first=Jacqui |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/science/article/us-rover-perseverance-taste-touch-listen-mars-9fvp9hmrq|title = US rover Perseverance will taste, touch and listen to Mars |work=The Times|date=13 February 2021|access-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210516152132/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/us-rover-perseverance-taste-touch-listen-mars-9fvp9hmrq|archive-date=16 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>}}

On 22 May 2021, the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover drove onto the Martian surface via the descent ramps on its landing platform.<ref name="Reuter_2021_05_22">{{Cite news |title=China says Martian rover takes first drive on surface of Red Planet |first1=Ryan |last1=Woo |first2=Yilei |last2=Sun |work=Reuters |date=22 May 2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/china-says-martian-rover-takes-first-drive-surface-red-planet-2021-05-22/ |archive-date=22 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522063611/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/china-says-martian-rover-takes-first-drive-surface-red-planet-2021-05-22/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Xinhuanet_2021_05_22">{{Cite news |title=祝融号火星车成功驶上火星表面 |trans-title={{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover successfully descended onto the surface of Mars |agency=Xinhua News Agency |date=22 May 2021 |access-date=22 May 2021 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/2021-05/22/c_1127478626.htm |language=zh |archive-date=14 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614072822/http://www.xinhuanet.com/tech/2021-05/22/c_1127478626.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> With the successful deployment of the rover, China became the second nation to accomplish this feat, after the United States.<ref name="Xinhua 03212016" /><ref name="Radar 2016" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Matt|title={{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} is Rolling on Mars|url=https://www.universetoday.com/151321/zhurong-is-rolling-on-mars/|website=Universe Today|date=30 May 2021|access-date=31 May 2021|archive-date=30 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530232436/https://www.universetoday.com/151321/zhurong-is-rolling-on-mars/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Woo">{{Cite news|last=Woo|first=Ryan|date=15 May 2021|title=China completes historic Mars spacecraft landing|url=https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/chinese-spacecraft-successfully-lands-surface-mars-xinhua-2021-05-15/|access-date=15 May 2021|work=Reuters|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515011643/https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/science/chinese-spacecraft-successfully-lands-surface-mars-xinhua-2021-05-15/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, China is the second nation to orbit and the first one to carry out landing and rovering mission on Mars successfully on its maiden attempt.<ref>{{cite web|title=On its first try, China's Zhurong rover hit a Mars milestone that took NASA decades|date=July 2021|url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-milestone-took-nasa-decades|publisher=space.com|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025110128/https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-milestone-took-nasa-decades|url-status=live}}</ref> {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 is also the second mission to capture audio recordings on the Martian surface, after United States' Perseverance rover. The "smallsat" deployed by the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover on the Martian surface consists of a "drop camera" which photographed both the rover itself as well as the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander.<ref name="ChinaSpaceNews">{{Cite web|title=科学影像图揭幕，一次性绕着巡！我国首次火星探测任务取得圆满成功|trans-title=The scientific image map was unveiled, and it was a one-time tour! my country's first Mars exploration mission was a complete success|url=https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/w_3t4yp7pGjSMl7CTJ1-Gw|website=China Space News|via=WeChat|date=11 June 2021|access-date=19 June 2021|quote=The picture of the "touring group photo" shows the rover traveling about 10 meters south of the landing platform, releasing the separate camera installed at the bottom of the vehicle, and then retreating to the vicinity of the landing platform.|language=zh|archive-date=11 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611025131/https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/w_3t4yp7pGjSMl7CTJ1-Gw|url-status=live}}</ref> With a mass of less than 1 kg, the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 remote camera is the lightest artificial object on Mars as of May 2021. On December 31, 2021, the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter deployed a second deployable camera (TDC-2) into Mars orbit which captured photographs of the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 in orbit to celebrate its achievement of the year<ref name="mp.weixin.qq.com"/> and a selfie stick payload was deployed to its working position on orbiter to take images of the orbiter's components and Chinese flag on 30 January 2022 to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In September 2022, the mission was awarded the ''World Space Award'' by the International Astronautical Federation.<ref>{{cite web|title=IAF WORLD SPACE AWARD: ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE TIANWEN-1 MISSION|url=https://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2022/plenary-programme/highlight-lectures/iaf-world-space-award.html|publisher=International Astronautical Federation|access-date=22 September 2022|archive-date=19 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220919095507/https://www.iafastro.org/events/iac/iac-2022/plenary-programme/highlight-lectures/iaf-world-space-award.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=China's Tianwen-1 Mars mission wins international space award|date=22 September 2022|url=https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-mission-wins-award|publisher=Space.com|access-date=23 September 2022|archive-date=23 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923011754/https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-mission-wins-award|url-status=live}}</ref>

The {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 mission was the second of three Martian exploration missions launched during the July 2020 window, after the United Arab Emirates Space Agency's ''Hope'' orbiter, and before NASA's Mars 2020 mission, which landed the ''Perseverance'' rover with the attached ''Ingenuity'' helicopter drone.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mars Alert: Why Three Spacecraft Must Leave For The Red Planet Within Weeks Or Miss Their Chance|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2020/07/08/mars-alert-why-three-spacecraft-must-leave-for-the-red-planet-within-days-or-miss-their-chance/?sh=cd811795f936|work=Forbes|access-date=30 September 2020|archive-date=7 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207013613/https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2020/07/08/mars-alert-why-three-spacecraft-must-leave-for-the-red-planet-within-days-or-miss-their-chance/?sh=cd811795f936|url-status=live}}</ref> The Zhurong rover lost contact in 2023 after failing to awake from a scheduled hibernation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=China breaks silence over status of Mars rover Zhurong |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/25/china-breaks-silence-over-status-of-mars-rover-zhurong |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref>

== Nomenclature == China's planetary exploration program is officially dubbed the "{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}} Series". "''Tianwen-1''" ({{lang-zh |s = 天问一号}}) is the program's first mission, and subsequent planetary missions will be numbered sequentially.<ref>{{Cite news|title=中国首次火星探测任务命名为"天问一号"|trans-title=China's first Mars exploration mission named "{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}} No. 1"|work=Beijing Daily|url=https://ie.bjd.com.cn/5b165687a010550e5ddc0e6a/contentApp/5b16573ae4b02a9fe2d558f9/AP5ea2496de4b0b1fafa168c9b|date=24 April 2020|access-date=30 April 2021|language=zh|archive-date=15 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515152917/https://ie.bjd.com.cn/5b165687a010550e5ddc0e6a/contentApp/5b16573ae4b02a9fe2d558f9/AP5ea2496de4b0b1fafa168c9b|url-status=live}}</ref> The name {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}} is from the poem of the same name written by Qu Yuan ({{circa}}{{nbsp}}340–278 BC). The title means "Questions to Tian", a Chinese term for both the sky and heavens.<ref name="04242020Xinhua">{{cite news|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/24/c_139004153.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507214646/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/24/c_139004153.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 May 2020|title=China's first Mars exploration mission named {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=24 April 2020|access-date=24 April 2020}}</ref><ref name="orbit">{{cite news|title={{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1, China's mission to Mars, has entered orbit|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/10/asia/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbit-hnk-scli-scn/|date=10 February 2021|work=CNN|first=Jessie|last=Yeung|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211173629/https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/10/asia/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbit-hnk-scli-scn/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1's rover is named ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' ({{lang-zh|{{linktext|祝融}}{{linktext|号}}|links=no}}), after a Chinese mytho-historical figure usually associated with fire and light.<ref name=xinhua202104>{{cite news|title=China's first Mars rover named {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}}|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-04/24/c_139902817.htm|agency=Xinhua News Agency|access-date=24 April 2021|date=24 April 2021|archive-date=24 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210424035719/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-04/24/c_139902817.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The name was chosen through an online poll held from January to February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hunantoday.cn/article/202103/202103021744589495.html|date=2 March 2021|title="祝融号"荣登榜首！中国首辆火星车全球征名投票结束|website=Hunan Today|language=zh |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210424051731/http://www.hunantoday.cn/article/202103/202103021744589495.html|archive-date=24 April 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Earlier attempt == China's Mars program started in partnership with Russia. In November 2011, the Russian spacecraft Fobos-Grunt, destined for Mars and Phobos, was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome. The Russian spacecraft carried with it an attached secondary spacecraft, the Yinghuo-1, which was intended to become China's first Mars orbiter (Fobos-Grunt also carried experiments from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the American Planetary Society). However, Fobos-Grunt's main propulsion unit failed to boost the Mars-bound stack from its initial Earth parking orbit and the combined multinational spacecraft and experiments eventually reentered the atmosphere of Earth in January 2012.{{citation needed|date=March 2023}} In 2014, China subsequently began an independent Mars project.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wu|first=Nan|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1539568/next-stop-mars-china-aims-send-rover-red-planet-within-six-years|title=Next stop – Mars: China aims to send rover to Red Planet within six years|work=South China Morning Post|date=24 June 2014|access-date=23 February 2016|archive-date=1 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201003953/http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1539568/next-stop-mars-china-aims-send-rover-red-planet-within-six-years|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Mission overview == [[File:Tianwen-1 launch 04 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|left|Launch of {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 from Wenchang on Hainan, 23 July 2020]] thumb|upright=1.0|left|A schematic of the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 spacecraft stack [[File:Mars Global Remote Sensing Orbiter and Small Rover at IAC Bremen 2018 09.jpg|thumb|left|Mockup of the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover at the 69th International Astronautical Congress]] The new Mars spacecraft, consisting of an orbiter and a lander with an attached rover, was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and is managed by the National Space Science Centre (NSSC) in Beijing.<ref>{{cite web|title={{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 (China's first Mars Exploration Mission)|url=https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/t/tianwen-1|website=eoPortal|access-date=19 June 2021|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210163646/https://directory.eoportal.org/web/eoportal/satellite-missions/t/tianwen-1|url-status=live}}</ref> The mission was formally approved in 2016.<ref name="IEEE2019article">{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Andrew|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/china-says-its-mars-landing-technology-is-ready-for-2020|title=China Says Its Mars Landing Technology Is Ready For 2020|work=IEEE Spectrum|date=8 November 2019|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924115737/https://spectrum.ieee.org/tech-talk/aerospace/robotic-exploration/china-says-its-mars-landing-technology-is-ready-for-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 November 2019, CNSA invited some foreign embassies and international organizations to witness hovering and obstacle avoidance test for the Mars Lander of China's first Mars exploration mission at the extraterrestrial celestial landing test site. It was the first public appearance of China's Mars exploration mission.<ref name="mars-landing-test">{{cite web|title=CNSA invited embassies and media to witness hovering and obstacle avoidance test for Mars Lander of China's first Mars exploration mission|url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6808105/content.html|website=cnsa.gov.cn|publisher=China National Space Administration|access-date=23 May 2021|date=2019-11-14|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523050633/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/english/n6465652/n6465653/c6808105/content.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the mission preparation proceeded, in April 2020, the mission was formally named "{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1".<ref name="Tianwen-chinadaily-en">{{cite news |last=Zhao |first=Lei |title=China's first Mars mission named {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}} 1 |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/24/WS5ea24a82a3105d50a3d188ea.html |date=24 April 2020|access-date=22 May 2021 |work=China Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125113313/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202004/24/WS5ea24a82a3105d50a3d188ea.html |archive-date=January 25, 2021}}</ref>

On {{dts|2020.07.23|format=dmy}}, {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 was launched from Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the island of Hainan atop a Long March 5 heavy-lift launch vehicle.{{r|AJ23July2020}} thumb|left|Artist's Rendering of {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 mission components|485x485px In September 2020, the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter deployed the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 First Deployable Camera (TDC-1), a small satellite with two cameras that took photos of and tested a radio connection with {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1.<ref name="SpaceflightNow" /> Its mission was to photograph the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter and the lander's heat shield.<ref name="SpaceflightNow"/> Due to the time when it was deployed, it trajectory predicted to do a flyby of Mars with that happening around the orbit insertion date.

During its cruise to Mars, the spacecraft completed four trajectory correction maneuvers plus an additional maneuver to alter its heliocentric orbital inclination; it also performed self diagnostics on multiple payloads.<ref>{{cite news|title=China's Mars probe completes deep-space maneuver|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-10/10/c_139429028.htm|publisher=Xinhua News Agency|date=10 October 2020|access-date=10 October 2020|archive-date=14 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514145532/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-10/10/c_139429028.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="SN-AJ-10022021">{{cite magazine|title=China's {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 enters orbit around Mars|url=https://spacenews.com/chinas-tianwen-1-enters-orbit-around-mars/|magazine=SpaceNews|first=Andrew|last=Jones|date=10 February 2021|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210210130625/https://spacenews.com/chinas-tianwen-1-enters-orbit-around-mars/|url-status=live}}</ref> After payload checkouts, the spacecraft began scientific operations with the Mars Energetic Particle Analyzer, mounted on the orbiter, which transmitted initial data back to ground control.<ref>{{cite news|title=Mars probe begins science operations|url=https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202007/29/WS5f20dc19a31083481725cc8a.html|work=China Daily|last=Zhao|first=Lei|date=29 July 2020|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213020733/https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202007/29/WS5f20dc19a31083481725cc8a.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The lander/rover portion of the mission began its Martian landing attempt on 14 May 2021. About nine minutes after the aeroshell housing the lander/rover combination entered the Martian atmosphere, the lander (carrying the rover) safely touched down in the Utopia Planitia region on Mars.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Update: China's {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 probe sends back Mars landing visuals|url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/19/c_139956617.htm|date=19 May 2021|access-date=2021-05-19|agency=Xinhua News Agency|archive-date=19 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519223935/http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-05/19/c_139956617.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheVerge_2021_05_19" /><ref name="BBC_2021_05_19" /> After a period spent conducting system checkouts and other planning activities (including taking engineering images of itself), the lander deployed the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover for independent surface operations.<ref name="SN-AJ-14052021">{{cite magazine|title=China's {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} Mars rover lands safely in Utopia Planitia|url=https://spacenews.com/chinas-zhurong-mars-rover-lands-safely-in-utopia-planitia//|magazine=SpaceNews|first=Andrew|last=Jones |date=14 May 2021|access-date=18 May 2021}}</ref> This rover is powered by solar panels and probed the Martian surface with radar and conducted chemical analyses on the soil; it also looked for biomolecules and biosignatures.<ref name="Xinhua 03212016"/>

== Mission objectives == This is the CNSA's first interplanetary mission, as well as its first independent probe to Mars. The primary goal is therefore to validate China's deep space communications and control technologies, as well as the Administration's ability to successfully orbit and land spacecraft.

From a scientific point of view, the mission must meet five objectives: * Study the geological structure of Mars and that structure's historical evolution. To do this, the probe will analyze topographical data from characteristic regions such as dry riverbeds, the reliefs of volcanoes, glaciers at the poles, areas affected by wind erosion, etc. The two cameras present on the orbiter are dedicated to this objective. * Study the characteristics of both the surface and underground layers of Martian soil, as well as the distribution of water ice. This is the role of the radars present on the orbiter and the rover. * Study the composition and type of rocks on the Martian surface, carbonate minerals present in ancient lakes, rivers, and other landscapes resulting from the past presence of water on the planet, and weathering mineral such as hematites, lamellar silicates, sulphate hydrates and perchlorate. The spectrometers on board the orbiter and the rover as well as the multispectral camera are dedicated to this objective. * Study the ionosphere, the climate, the seasons, and more generally the atmosphere of Mars, both in its near-space environment and on its surface. This is the role of the two particle detectors present on the orbiter as well as of the rover's weather station. * Study the internal structure of Mars, its magnetic field, the history of its geological evolution, the internal distribution of its mass, and its gravitational field. The magnetometers as well as the radars present on the orbiter and the rover are dedicated to this objective.<ref>{{cite report|title=Space Science Activities in China: National Report 2016–2018|chapter=Scientific Objectives and Payloads of Chinese First Mars Exploration|chapter-url=http://english.nssc.cas.cn/ns/NU/201809/W020180906583004282187.pdf|last1=Jia|first1=Yingzhuo|last2=Fan|first2=Yu|last3=Zou|first3=Yongliao|date=2018|pages=101–105|access-date=13 July 2020|archive-date=3 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303121139/http://english.nssc.cas.cn/ns/NU/201809/W020180906583004282187.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

The aims of the mission include searching for evidence of current and past life, producing surface maps, characterizing soil composition and water ice distribution, and examining the Martian atmosphere, particularly its ionosphere.<ref name='Radar 2016' />

The mission also serves as a technology demonstration that will be needed for an anticipated Mars sample-return mission proposed for the 2030s.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Mars mission would put China among space leaders|url=https://www.science.org/content/article/mars-mission-would-put-china-among-space-leaders|journal=Science|first=Dennis|last=Normile|date=25 June 2020|volume=368|issue=6498|page=1420|doi=10.1126/science.368.6498.1420|pmid=32587004|bibcode=2020Sci...368.1420N|s2cid=220077904|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021173620/https://www.science.org/content/article/mars-mission-would-put-china-among-space-leaders|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}}</ref> ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' will also cache rock and soil samples for retrieval by the later sample-return mission, and the orbiter will make it possible to locate a caching site.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.inquisitr.com/5253291/china-mars-probe-2020/|title=China Plans To Land A Rover On Mars In 2020|first=Alexandra|last=Lozovschi|website=Inquisitr|date=17 January 2019|access-date=16 May 2021|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924115741/https://www.inquisitr.com/5253291/china-mars-probe-2020//|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Mission planning == thumb|upright=1.0|left|The orbiter's transfer orbit and trajectory correction maneuvers (TCM) In late 2019, the Xi'an Aerospace Propulsion Institute, a subsidiary of CASC, stated that the performance and control of the future spacecraft's propulsion system has been verified and had passed all requisite pre-flight tests, including tests for hovering, hazard avoidance, deceleration and landing. The main component of the lander's propulsion system consists of a single engine that provides {{cvt|7500|N}} of thrust. The spacecraft's supersonic parachute system had also been successfully tested.<ref name="IEEE2019article"/>

CNSA initially focused on the Chryse Planitia and Elysium Mons regions of Mars in its search for possible landing sites. However, in September 2019 during a joint meeting in Geneva, in Switzerland, of the European Planetary Science Congress-Division for Planetary Sciences, the presenters announced that two preliminary sites in the Utopia Planitia region of Mars have instead been chosen for the anticipated landing attempt, with each site having a landing ellipse of approximately 100 by 40 kilometres.<ref name="IEEE2019article"/>

In July 2020, CNSA provided landing coordinates of 110.318° East longitude and 24.748° North latitude, within the southern portion of Utopia Planitia, as the specific primary landing site. The area was chosen for being both of scientific interest and being safe enough for landing attempts.<ref name="landing site">{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Jones|title=China chooses landing site for its {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Mars rover|url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-tianwen-1-landing-site|date=28 October 2020|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Space.com|archive-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029100232/https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-tianwen-1-landing-site|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="LiuEtAl2021" /> Simulated landings have been performed as part of mission preparations by the Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics and Electricity.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201912/03/WS5de5b0fca310cf3e3557b7b5.html|title=Country making strides toward Mars mission|work=China Daily|date=3 December 2019|access-date=12 February 2021|last=Zhao|first=Lei|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315190647/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201912/03/WS5de5b0fca310cf3e3557b7b5.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

By 23 January 2020, the Long March 5 Y4 rocket's hydrogen-oxygen engine had completed a 100-seconds test, which was the last engine test prior to the final assembly of the launch vehicle. It successfully launched on 23 July 2020.<ref name="AJ23July2020"/>

== Entering Mars orbit == The three {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 spacecraft were launched by Long March 5 Heavy-lift launch vehicle on 23 July 2020. Having traveled for about seven months, it entered Mars orbit on 10 February 2021 by performing a burn of its engines to slow down just enough to be captured by Mars's gravitational pull. The orbiter spent several months scanning and imaging the surface of Mars to refine the target landing zone for the lander/rover.<ref>{{cite web|title=China's {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 spacecraft will reach Mars orbit on 10 February 2021|url=https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbit-insertion-february-2021|website=Space.com|first=Andrew|last=Jones|date=5 January 2021|access-date=12 February 2021|archive-date=11 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211200755/https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbit-insertion-february-2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56013041|title=China Mars mission: {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 spacecraft enters into orbit|first=Jonathan|last=Amos|date=10 February 2021|access-date=10 February 2021|work=BBC News|archive-date=10 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210133145/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56013041|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="orbit"/> It approached at about {{cvt|265|km}} (periareion, or periapse) to Mars's surface, allowing a high-resolution camera to return images to Earth and to map the landing site in Utopia Planitia, and to prepare for landing.<ref name="SN-AJ-10022021" /> thumb|upright=1.0|right|Planned orbital trajectory at Mars

=== Orbital elements === {| class="wikitable" |+ Values of final orbital parameters<ref name="orbit2">{{cite web |title=Tianwen-1 remote sensing orbit |url=https://destevez.net/2021/11/tianwen-1-remote-sensing-orbit/ |author=Daniel Estévez |date=10 November 2021 |accessdate=2021-11-11 |archive-date=2021-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308035958/https://destevez.net/2021/02/tianwen-1-phasing-orbit/ |url-status=live}}</ref> ! Parameter !! Value (unit) |- | Periareion altitude || 275 km |- | Apoareion altitude || 10,749 km |- | Inclination || 86.3° |- | Period || 7.08 hours |}

== Landing on Mars == ===Landing area selection=== The landing area selection was based on two major criteria:<ref name="LiZhang2021">{{cite journal |last1=Li |first1=Chunlai |last2=Zhang |first2=Rongqiao |last3=Yu |first3=Dengyun |last4=Dong |first4=Guangliang |last5=Liu |first5=Jianjun |last6=Geng |first6=Yan |last7=Sun |first7=Zezhou |last8=Yan |first8=Wei |last9=Ren |first9=Xin |last10=Su |first10=Yan |last11=Zuo |first11=Wei |last12=Zhang |first12=Tielong |last13=Cao |first13=Jinbin |last14=Fang |first14=Guangyou |last15=Yang |first15=Jianfeng |last16=Shu |first16=Rong |last17=Lin |first17=Yangting |last18=Zou |first18=Yongliao |last19=Liu |first19=Dawei |last20=Liu |first20=Bin |last21=Kong |first21=Deqing |last22=Zhu |first22=Xinying |last23=Ouyang|first23=Ziyuan |title=China's Mars Exploration Mission and Science Investigation |journal=Space Science Reviews |date=June 2021 |volume=217 |issue=4 |page=57 |bibcode=2021SSRv..217...57L|doi=10.1007/s11214-021-00832-9|doi-access=free}}</ref> * '''Engineering feasibility''', including latitude, altitude, slope, surface condition, rock distribution, local wind speed, visibility requirements during the EDL process. * '''Scientific objectives''', including geology, soil structure and water ice distribution, surface elements, mineral, and rock distribution, magnetic field detection.

Three initial areas were selected by the site selection team after a global survey of Mars; the three areas were: Amazonis Planitia, Chryse Planitia, and Utopia Planitia.<ref name="Wu-et-al_JGR_2022">{{cite journal |last1=Wu |first1=Bo |last2=Dong |first2=Jie |last3=Wang |first3=Yiran |last4=Rao |first4=Wei |last5=Sun |first5=Zezhou |last6=Li |first6=Zhaojin |last7=Tan |first7=Zhiyan |last8=Chen |first8=Zeyu |last9=Wang |first9=Chuang |last10=Liu |first10=Wai-Chung |last11=Chen |first11=Long |last12=Zhu |first12=Jiaming |last13=Li |first13=Hongliang |title=Landing site selection and characterization of Tianwen-1 (Zhurong rover) on Mars |journal=Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets |date=April 2022 |volume=127 | issue=4 |doi=10.1029/2021JE007137|bibcode=2022JGRE..12707137W |doi-access=free|hdl=10397/113243 |hdl-access=free }}</ref> All three candidate landing areas were between five degrees North and thirty degrees North latitude.

According to the site selection team, Amazonis Planitia was dropped from consideration upon further analysis due to the area's small thermal inertias and the possible presence of thick dust in the region; Chryse Planitia was eliminated next due to its rough terrain in terms of elevations, slopes, crater densities, and rock abundances. Finally, a region measuring approximately {{cvt|180|km}} x {{cvt|70|km}} in Utopia Planitia and centered on {{coord|24.748|N|110.318|E|globe:Mars}} was selected as the primary target for further analysis (a backup target with about the same total area and centered on {{coord|26.467|N|131.626|E|globe:Mars}} was also selected at that time.)<ref name="Wu-et-al_JGR_2022" /> The target landing regions in Utopia Planitia were favored by the selection team also because they present higher chances of finding evidence for the possible presence of ancient ocean on the northern lowlands of Mars.<ref name="LiZhang2021"/>

The primary target region was further constrained in extent using the high-resolution camera (HiRIC) on board the Tianwen-1 orbiter after it entered Martian orbit in February 2021. The HiRIC camera collected high resolution stereo images of the primary landing region; these images were built into mosaics of varying resolutions (e.g. digital elevation models with a resolution of 5 meters per pixel, and maps for automatic crater detection with a resolution of 0.7 meters per pixel.) The accuracy of some of the HiRIC image results were evaluated by comparing them with images generated by the cameras on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.<ref name="Wu-et-al_JGR_2022" /> thumb|upright=3|right|(a) Hazard index map (5 m/pixel) of the main landing region and candidate landing ellipses 16 and 128; and (b) parameters for the calculation of the hazard indices for candidate ellipses 16 and 128.

Using the HiRIC mosaics, the selection team conducted various terrain analyses on potential candidate landing ellipses within the primary target region in an iterative manner; these analyses included the determination of the candidate ellipse's average slope, the percentage of slope with an angle greater than 8%, average rock abundance, the percentage of area within the candidate ellipse with a rock abundance greater than 10%, and the percentage of cratered area. A 'hazard index' is then distilled from the analyses for each candidate ellipse. Candidate ellipse 16, with the lowest hazard index, emerged as the primary target (candidate ellipse 128, with the next lowest hazard index, was the backup).<ref name="Wu-et-al_JGR_2022" /> See the following figure produced by the landing selection team intended to illustrate the calculation of the hazard indices for candidate ellipses 16 and 128.

Ellipse 16 was selected for the attempted landing in May 2021; it is centered on {{coord|25.1188|N|109.9305|E|globe:Mars}} with major and minor axes of {{cvt|55|km}} and {{cvt|22|km}} respectively (the boundary of the ellipse is defined by a landing probability uncertainty of 3 sigmas); also, the major axis of the landing ellipse is tilted with respect to the Martian north by 1.35 degrees to the west, this is a consequence of the planned orbital descent path. On 14 May 2021 (UTC), the Zhurong rover and its landing platform touched down at {{coord|25.066|N|109.925|E|globe:Mars}}, at an elevation of {{cvt|-4099.4|m}}, about {{cvt|3.1|km}} south of the center of landing ellipse 16.<ref name="Wu-et-al_JGR_2022" />

[[File:Tianwen-1 landing site candidates.png|thumb|upright=3|center|The two landing site candidates of {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 mission are enclosed by red lines on Martian map. The one on the left is located in Chryse Planitia and the one on the right in Utopia Planitia.]]

===The landing=== [[File:AbstiegsphasenTianwen1.jpg|thumb|upright=2|right|Entry, descent and landing (EDL) sequence of {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander and ''Zhurong'' rover]]

At 23:18 UTC, on 14 May 2021, the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander successfully landed in the preselected landing area in the southern part of the Mars Utopia Planitia.<ref name=cnsa202105 /><ref name="bbc15052021">{{cite news |last=Amos |first=Jonothan |date=15 May 2021 |title=China lands its {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover on Mars |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914/ |access-date=16 May 2021 |archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515235607/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57122914 |url-status=live }}</ref> The landing phase began with the release of the protective capsule containing the lander/rover. The capsule made an atmospheric entry followed by a descent phase under parachute, after which the lander used retro-propulsion to soft-land on Mars.<ref name="lander202105"/><ref name=bjd /><ref name="bbc15052021" />

On 19 May 2021, CNSA released for the first time images showing the preparation of the final transfer of the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover from the platform of the lander to the Martian soil. The photographs show the solar panels of ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' already deployed while ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' is still perched on the lander along with two circular windows on the deck under which n-undecane was stored in 10 containers that absorbs heat and melts during the daytime and solidifies and releases heat at night.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Tianwen-1 {{!}} Deep Space Exploration of China |user=CNDeepSpace |number=1478755108074627074 |date=5 January 2022 |title=The secret keeping #Zhurong warm during freezing night is under the two circular windows: N-undecane stored in 10 containers absorbs heat and melts during the daytime and solidifies and releases heat at night. https://t.co/UBT9fD94bw |language=en |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105155503/https://twitter.com/CNDeepSpace/status/1478755108074627074 |archive-date=5 January 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TheVerge_2021_05_19">{{Cite web |title=China releases first images from its {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover on Mars |last=Roulette |first=Joey |website=The Verge |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=19 May 2021 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/19/22443640/china-tianwen-1-first-images-zhurong-mars-rover-landing |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519150456/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/19/22443640/china-tianwen-1-first-images-zhurong-mars-rover-landing |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BBC_2021_05_19">{{Cite news |title=China on Mars: {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} rover returns first pictures |last=Amos |first=Jonathan |work=BBC News |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=19 May 2021 |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57172346 |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519111417/https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-57172346 |url-status=live }}</ref> The long delay for the publication of the first images is explained by the short periods of time when the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover and the orbiter are in radio contact and can effectively communicate and transfer data.<ref name="LeMonde_2021_05_19">{{Cite news |title=Le rover chinois {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} envoie ses premières photos de Mars |trans-title=The Chinese rover {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} sends its first photographies |last=Barthélémy |first=Pierre |work=Le Monde |date=19 May 2021 |access-date=19 May 2021 |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2021/05/19/le-rover-chinois-zhurong-envoie-ses-premieres-photos-de-mars_6080774_1650684.html |language=fr |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519180649/http://www.lemonde.fr/sciences/article/2021/05/19/le-rover-chinois-zhurong-envoie-ses-premieres-photos-de-mars_6080774_1650684.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 11 June 2021, CNSA released the first batch of scientific images from the surface of Mars including a panoramic image taken by ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' and a group photo of ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' and the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander taken by the drop camera. The panoramic image is composed of 24 single shots taken by the NaTeCam before the rover was deployed to the Martian surface. The image reveals that the topography and rock abundance near the landing site was consistent with previous anticipations from the scientist on typical south Utopia Planitia features with small but widespread rocks, white wave patterns, and mud volcanoes.<ref name="hiresimagerelease" />

{{Multiple image | header = First batch of images returned by ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover | align = center | width = 250px | image1 = | caption1 = Photo of Martian surface taken by ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}''on lander. | image2 = | caption2 = Close-up photo of ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover on lander before deployment. }}

== Exploration of Martian surface == {{Main|Zhurong (rover)#Mission timeline}} thumb|left|Photo of lander on Mars taken by Zhurong rover thumb|left|''Zhurong'' selfie with lander, taken by the deployable Tianwen-1 Remote Camera. thumb|right|The ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover and {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander (above) as seen by the High Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) of the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter on 2 June 2021 On 22 May 2021 (02:40 UTC), the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover descended from its lander onto the Martian surface to begin its scientific mission. The first images received on Earth after the rover deployment showed the empty landing platform and the extended rover-descent ramps.<ref name="Reuter_2021_05_22" /><ref name="Xinhuanet_2021_05_22" /> During its deployment, the Rover's instrument, Mars Climatic Station, recorded the sound, acting as the second martian sound instrument to record Martian sounds successfully after Mars 2020 Perseverance rover's microphones.

The ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover deployed a drop camera to the surface which was able to photograph both the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover and the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander.<ref name="ChinaSpaceNews" /> The rover is designed to explore the surface for 90 sols; its height is about {{cvt|1.85|m|ft|abbr=on}} and it has a mass of about {{cvt|240|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. After the rover deployment, the orbiter would serve as a telecommunications relay for the rover while continuing to conduct its own orbital observations of Mars.<ref name="MW17May2021">{{cite web|last=Wall|first=Mike|title=China's newly landed Mars rover {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong|italic=no}} likely to roll into action this weekend|url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-first-week/|access-date=17 May 2021|website=Space.com|date=17 May 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624135152/https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-first-week|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 12 July 2021, ''Zhurong'' visited the parachute and backshell dropped onto the Martian surface during its landing on 14 May.<ref>{{cite web |title="祝融号"近距离"看"降落伞与背罩 |url=http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812290/content.html |website=CNSA |access-date=21 July 2021 |language=zh |date=16 July 2021 |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114104335/http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/n6758823/n6758838/c6812290/content.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=China's Zhurong Mars rover visits own parachute |url=https://spacenews.com/chinas-zhurong-mars-rover-visits-own-parachute/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=21 July 2021 |date=15 July 2021}}</ref>

On 15 August 2021, ''Zhurong'' officially completed its planned exploration tasks and will continue to drive towards the southern part of Utopia Planitia where it landed.<ref name="ChinaDaily 1km">{{cite news|title=China's rover travels over 1 km on Mars|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202108/23/WS612376cea310efa1bd66a927.html|work=China Daily|agency=Xinhua News Agency|date=23 August 2021|access-date=30 August 2021|archive-date=30 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830172719/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202108/23/WS612376cea310efa1bd66a927.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 August 2021, ''Zhurong'' outlived its lifespan of 90 sols<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-studies-dunes |title=China's Zhurong Mars rover scopes out dunes on journey south |website=Space.com |date=30 July 2021 |first=Andrew |last=Jones |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=5 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505190508/https://www.space.com/china-mars-rover-zhurong-studies-dunes |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Chinese scientists and engineers announced an extended expedition aiming to investigate an ancient coastal area on Mars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/chinas-mars-rover-outlasts-its-life-expectancy-keeps-on-going/ |title=China's Mars rover outlasts its life expectancy, keeps on going |website=CNET |date=20 August 2021 |first=Amanda |last=Kooser |access-date=14 March 2023 |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314164700/https://www.cnet.com/science/chinas-mars-rover-outlasts-its-life-expectancy-keeps-on-going/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

From mid-September to late October 2021, both the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter and ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover entered safe mode due to a communications blackout around solar conjunction.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=China's Zhurong Mars rover returns panorama ahead of planetary blackout |url=https://www.space.com/china-zhurong-mars-rover-communications-blackout-panorama-image |website=Space.com |access-date=4 December 2021 |date=5 September 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204181629/https://www.space.com/china-zhurong-mars-rover-communications-blackout-panorama-image |url-status=live }}</ref> Both devices were back to active mode after the ending of the blackout.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=China's Zhurong Mars rover returns panorama ahead of planetary blackout |url=https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbiter-rover-radio-blackout-ends |website=Space.com |access-date=4 December 2021 |date=22 October 2021 |archive-date=13 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113145140/https://www.space.com/china-tianwen-1-mars-orbiter-rover-radio-blackout-ends |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 20 May 2022, ''Zhurong'' was put into hibernation mode to prepare for the approaching sandstorms and Martian winter, and was programmed to self-awake at an appropriate temperature and sunlight condition.<ref name="nature_230120">{{cite journal |last1=Mallapaty |first1=Smriti |title=What's happened to China's first Mars rover? |journal=Nature |date=20 January 2023 |doi=10.1038/d41586-023-00111-3 |pmid=36670252 |s2cid=256056375 |url=https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00111-3 |access-date=10 February 2023 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210150421/https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-00111-3 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kooser |first1=Amanda |title=China's First Mars Rover May Have Run Into Trouble on the Dusty Planet |url=https://www.cnet.com/science/space/chinas-first-mars-rover-may-have-run-into-trouble-on-the-dusty-planet/ |website=CNET |access-date=10 February 2023 |language=en |archive-date=10 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230210150421/https://www.cnet.com/science/space/chinas-first-mars-rover-may-have-run-into-trouble-on-the-dusty-planet/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The rover never awoke from hibernation as of 2025, likely due to dust pile up affecting its solar power generation.

On 27 February 2023, the initial results of the meteorological data from the first 325 sols of the mission were published in the journal ''Nature''.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Initial results of the meteorological data from the first 325 sols of the Tianwen-1 mission|journal=Nature|date=27 February 2023|doi=10.1038/s41598-023-30513-2 |last1=Jiang |first1=Chunsheng |last2=Jiang |first2=Yu |last3=Li |first3=Hengnian |last4=Du |first4=Sen |volume=13 |issue=1 |page=3325 |pmid=36849722 |pmc=9971204 |bibcode=2023NatSR..13.3325J |s2cid=257208512 }}</ref>

== Instruments == ===Scientific instruments=== To achieve the scientific objectives of the mission, the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter is equipped with eight scientific instruments, while the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover is equipped with six, which include:<ref name="LiZhang2021"/>

==== Orbiter ==== thumb|left|The configuration and layout of payloads on board the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter thumb|HiRIC on {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter thumb|alt=Mars image taken by MoRIC|Mars image taken by MoRIC * '''Moderate Resolution Imaging Camera''' ('''MoRIC''') with a resolution of 100 m from a 400 km altitude. It takes color photos in visible band. * '''High Resolution Imaging Camera''' ('''HiRIC''') with a resolution of 2.5 m from a 256 km altitude in panchromatic mode, 10 m in color mode. The camera's primary mirror has a diameter of 387mm.<ref name=Meng>{{cite journal |last1=Meng |first1=Qingyu |last2=Wang |first2=Dong |last3=Wang |first3=Xiaodong |last4=Li |first4=Wei |last5=Yang |first5=Xianwei |last6=Yan |first6=Dejie |last7=Li |first7=Yang |last8=Cao |first8=Zhirui |last9=Ji |first9=Qi |last10=Sun |first10=Tianyu |last11=Yan |first11=Wei |last12=Wang |first12=Kejun |last13=Li |first13=Xiaobo |last14=Huang |first14=Jingtao |last15=Wang |first15=Zheng |last16=Zhao |first16=Weiguo |last17=Wang |first17=Yan |last18=He |first18=Yunfeng |last19=Hao |first19=Xianpeng |last20=Liu |first20=Wenguang |last21=Zhang |first21=Bowei |last22=Zhou |first22=Pengji |last23=Li |first23=Yunhui |last24=Zhao |first24=Haibo |last25=Lu |first25=Lin |last26=Guan |first26=Hainan |last27=Zhou |first27=Dali |last28=Wu |first28=Fanlu |last29=Zhang |first29=Fan |last30=Zhu |first30=Shiyu |last31=Dong |first31=Jihong |title=High Resolution Imaging Camera (HiRIC) on China’s First Mars Exploration Tianwen-1 Mission |journal=Space Science Reviews |volume=217 |issue=3 |date=2021 |issn=0038-6308 |doi=10.1007/s11214-021-00823-w |url=https://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11214-021-00823-w |access-date=4 November 2025 |page=4|url-access=subscription }}</ref> * '''Mars Orbiter Magnetometer''' ('''MOMAG''') is used to map Martian magnetic field. * '''Mars Mineralogical Spectrometer''' ('''MMS''') utilizes the visible and near infrared imaging spectrometer with detection wavelengths ranging from 0.45 to 3.4 μm to investigate and analyze the Martian surface composition. It also investigate the distribution of regolith types and subsurface structure of Mars. * '''Mars Orbiter Scientific Investigation Radar''' ('''MOSIR''') aims to explore the Martian surface and subsurface water-ice by means of the dual-polarization echo characteristics of radar. * '''Mars Ion and Neutral Particle Analyzer''' ('''MINPA''') measures the flux of ions in space environment, distinguishes the main ions and obtains their physical parameters such as the density, velocity and temperature. * '''Mars Energetic Particle Analyzer''' ('''MEPA''') obtains the energy spectrum, flux and elemental composition of energy electrons, protons, α particles and ions. *Unknown payload, likely the '''Mars Orbiter Status Monitoring Sensor (MOSMOS),''' to monitor and evaluate the condition of key components, the Chinese flag and the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics logo on the orbiter. The selfie rod, {{cvt|0.8|kg}} in weight and {{cvt|1.6|m}} long, is made from shape memory composite material, solar heat makes it extended to working position with two cameras fixed at one end and attached to orbiter on another end along with some degrees of freedom to the arm.<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Tianwen-1 {{!}} Deep Space Exploration of China |user=CNDeepSpace |number=1488051404207902720 |date=31 January 2022 |title=Correction: the stick that I thought to be the selfie stick (MOSMOS) is actually the 3rd Scientific Investigation Radar (MOSIR). The selfie stick should locate at the lower right as shown in the red circle in this attached photo. It seems not deployed yet when the photo was taken https://t.co/a9SupzjrnD |language=en |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131073301/https://twitter.com/CNDeepSpace/status/1488051404207902720 |archive-date=31 January 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=Tianwen-1 {{!}} Deep Space Exploration of China |user=CNDeepSpace |number=1487972985751281668 |date=30 January 2022 |title=Classic way of taking selfie. Tianwen-1 deploys a selfie stick that is made out of shape memory composite. It weighs only 0.8kg and extends to 1.6 meters long. In this video, the folded stick was heated after Mars orbit insertion, and it automatically extended #Zhurong #Tianwen1 https://t.co/qobX0FeulZ |language=en |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131022128/https://twitter.com/CNDeepSpace/status/1487972985751281668 |archive-date=31 January 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=Tianwen-1 {{!}} Deep Space Exploration of China |user=CNDeepSpace |number=1487977355662426114 |date=30 January 2022 |title=Here is how the selfie stick looks in folded state. How many secrets do #Tianwen1 have that we don't know yet? #Zhurong update: 1524 meters driving distance after 255 sols as of Jan.31 #天问一号 #祝融号火星车 https://t.co/llkBKNp9Ft |language=en |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220131023351/https://twitter.com/CNDeepSpace/status/1487977355662426114 |archive-date=31 January 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |author=Tianwen-1 {{!}} Deep Space Exploration of China |user=CNDeepSpace |number=1491283320931758081 |date=9 February 2022 |title=The cameras #Tianwen1 used for selfies. https://t.co/3WWqalmuEd |language=en |access-date=21 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209053532/https://twitter.com/CNDeepSpace/status/1491283320931758081 |archive-date=9 February 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> {{clear}}

==== ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover ==== {{main|Zhurong (rover)}}

thumb|left|The configuration and layout of payloads on board the ''Zhurong'' rover thumb|alt=Mars surface captured by Zhurong rover|Mars surface captured by Zhurong rover NaTeCam * '''Mars Rover Penetrating Radar''' ('''RoPeR''') Ground-penetrating radar (GPR), two frequencies, to image about {{cvt|100|m}} below the Martian surface<ref name='Radar 2016'>{{cite conference|last1=Zhou|first1=Bin |last2=Shen|first2=Shaoxiang |last3=Ji|first3=Yicai |last4=Lu|first4=Wei |last5=Zhang|first5=Feng |last6=Fang|first6=Guangyou |last7=Su|first7=Yan |last8=Dai|first8=Shun |title=2016 16th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) |chapter=The subsurface penetrating radar on the rover of China's Mars 2020 mission |date=2016 |pages=1–4|location=Hong Kong, China|doi=10.1109/ICGPR.2016.7572700|isbn=978-1-5090-5181-6|s2cid=306903}}</ref> It was one of the two very first ground-penetrating radars deployed on Mars, along with the one equipped by NASA's ''Perseverance'' rover launched and landed in same years.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Andrew |title=China raises the stakes with second Mars attempt |url=https://spacenews.com/china-raises-the-stakes-with-second-mars-attempt/ |website=SpaceNews |access-date=1 July 2021 |date=July 22, 2020}}</ref> * '''Mars Rover Magnetometer''' ('''RoMAG''') obtains the fine-scale structures of crustal magnetic field based on mobile measurements on the Martian surface. * '''Mars Climate Station''' ('''MCS''') (also '''MMMI''' Mars Meteorological Measurement Instrument) measures the temperature, pressure, wind velocity and direction of the surface atmosphere, and a microphone to capture Martian sounds. During rover's deployment, it recorded the sound, acting as the second Martian sound instrument to record Martian sounds successfully after Mars 2020 Perseverance rover's microphones. * '''Mars Surface Compound Detector''' ('''MarSCoDe''') combines laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and infrared spectroscopy<ref name="ZouZhu2021">{{cite journal|last1=Zou|first1=Yongliao|last2=Zhu|first2=Yan |last3=Bai|first3=Yunfei|last4=Wang|first4=Lianguo|last5=Jia|first5=Yingzhuo|last6=Shen|first6=Weihua|last7=Fan|first7=Yu|last8=Liu|first8=Yang|last9=Wang|first9=Chi|last10=Zhang|first10=Aibing|last11=Yu|first11=Guobin|last12=Dong|first12=Jihong|last13=Shu|first13=Rong|last14=He|first14=Zhiping|last15=Zhang|first15=Tielong|last16=Du|first16=Aimin|last17=Fan|first17=Mingyi|last18=Yang|first18=Jianfeng|last19=Zhou|first19=Bin|last20=Wang|first20=Yi|last21=Peng|first21=Yongqing|title=Scientific objectives and payloads of Tianwen-1, China's first Mars exploration mission|journal=Advances in Space Research|volume=67|issue=2 |year=2021|pages=812–823|issn=0273-1177|doi=10.1016/j.asr.2020.11.005|bibcode=2021AdSpR..67..812Z|doi-access=free}}</ref> * '''Multispectral Camera''' ('''MSCam''') Combined with MarSCoDe, MSCam investigates the mineral components to establish the relationship between Martian surface water environment and secondary mineral types, and to search for historical environmental conditions for the presence of liquid water. * '''Navigation and Topography Cameras''' ('''NaTeCam''') With 2048 × 2048 resolution, NaTeCam is used to construct topography maps, extract parameters such as slope, undulation and roughness, investigate geological structures, and conduct comprehensive analysis on the geological structure of the surface parameters. {{clear}}

===Lander=== The lander did not have a scientific payload, but carried a '''Mars Emergency Beacon''' designed to survive the force of a catastrophic crash. The beacon would have allowed critical engineering data to be collected to aid future design.<ref name = "renminwang">{{cite web|title=为天问一号装上"会打电话的黑匣子"|url=http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0517/c1004-32105010.html|website=人民网|date=17 May 2021|access-date=31 August 2021|archive-date=31 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831173237/http://finance.people.com.cn/n1/2021/0517/c1004-32105010.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The lander also carried the Chinese flag and 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics mascots with it like the orbiter.

===Other instruments=== * '''{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Deployable Cameras''', two secondary Payloads deployed in September 2020 in deep space and 31 December 2021 in Mars orbit respectively, that took photos of and tested a radio connection with {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1.<ref name="SpaceflightNow" /> The first camera's mission was to photograph the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter and the lander's heat shield while the other one had to image the orbiter and Northern Mars Ice Cap from Mars orbit. * '''{{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Remote Camera''', secondary Payload deployed on 1 June 2021 that took photos of and tested a wireless connection with ''Zhurong'' rover like the deployable cameras did with orbiter. Its mission was to take a group selfie of the ''Zhurong'' rover and the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 lander.<ref name="timeofdropcamera">{{cite AV media |title=火星之后我们会去哪里？{{!}} 《火星来了》第三季第⑨集 |url=https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1X5411M7sz |via=Bilibili |publisher=China National Space Administration |date=11 June 2021 |access-date=11 June 2021 |language=zh |archive-date=11 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611163643/https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1X5411M7sz |url-status=live }}</ref> The photo was released on 11 June 2021, confirming their Martian landing success.<ref name="hiresimagerelease" />

==Other observations== In 2025 Tianwen-1 used its HiRIC camera to image 3I/ATLAS.<ref name=WilliamsTianwen>{{cite news |last=Williams |first=Mathew |date=8 November 2025 |title=China's Tianwen-1 Orbiter Spots 3I/ATLAS|url=https://www.universetoday.com/articles/chinas-tianwen-1-orbiter-spots-3iatlas |work=Universe Today |publisher= Universe Today |access-date=8 November 2025}}</ref>

== International collaborations == Argentina's Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE) is collaborating on {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 by way of the Espacio Lejano tracking station installed in Las Lajas, Neuquén. The facility played a previous role in China's landing of the ''Chang'e 4'' spacecraft on the far side of the Moon in January 2019.<ref name="International">{{cite web|last=David|first=Leonard|title=China's {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Mars rover mission gets a boost from international partners|url=https://www.space.com/china-mars-mission-tianwen-1-international-partners.html|website=Space.com|date=22 July 2020|access-date=10 September 2020|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725163810/https://www.space.com/china-mars-mission-tianwen-1-international-partners.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

France's Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie (IRAP) in Toulouse, in France, is collaborating on the ''{{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}}'' rover. {{ill|Sylvestre Maurice|fr}} of IRAP said: {{cquote|For their Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument, we have delivered a calibration target that is a French duplicate of a target which is on [NASA's] ''Curiosity'' [Mars rover]. The idea is to see how the two datasets compare.<ref name="International"/>}}

The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) aided in the development of a magnetometer installed on the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter. The Space Research Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Graz has confirmed the group's contribution to the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 magnetometer and helped with the calibration of the flight instrument.<ref name="International"/>

While the {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 orbiter will dispense commands to the {{transliteration|zh|Zhurong}} rover, the ''Mars Express'' orbiter of the European Space Agency could serve as a backup.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=O'Callaghan|first=Jonathan|date=14 May 2021|title=China Lands {{transliteration|zh|Tianwen|italic=no}}-1 Rover on Mars in a Major First for the Country|magazine=Scientific American|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-lands-tianwen-1-rover-on-mars-in-a-major-first-for-the-country/|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=24 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624140829/https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/china-lands-tianwen-1-rover-on-mars-in-a-major-first-for-the-country/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== See also == {{Commons category}} {{Portal|Spaceflight|China}} * China National Space Administration (CNSA) * Chinese space program ** Chinese Deep Space Network ** Chinese Lunar Exploration Program ** Planetary Exploration of China ** {{annotated link|Yinghuo-1}} * {{annotated link|Astrobiology}} * {{annotated link|Climate of Mars}} * Exploration of Mars * ESTRACK * List of missions to Mars * {{annotated link|Life on Mars}} * Emirates Mars Mission, UAE 2020 Mars mission with its ''Hope'' orbiter * {{annotated link|Mars sample-return mission}}

== Notes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

{{Chinese spacecraft}} {{CNSA space program}} {{Navboxes |list = {{Astrobiology}} {{Features and artificial objects on Mars}} {{Mars spacecraft}} {{Orbital launches in 2020}} {{Solar System probes}} {{2020 in space}} {{2021 in space}} {{politics of outer space}} }} {{Portal bar|Astronomy|Stars|Spaceflight|Outer space|Solar System|China|Biology}}

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