The development of the Martian sampling mission of NASA and ESA has been marked by great instability since its inception. Delays, frequent changes in objectives and budgetary challenges have hampered the progression of these missions. Today, his fate is pending as mentioned in a previous article. On the other hand, the Chinese mission Tianwen-3, which also aims to bring in March samples, seems to benefit from greater stability. Indeed, it is not subject to the same budgetary constraints or to architectural changes, which positions it favorably to achieve its objectives. If everything goes as planned, China could succeed in bringing samples on earth from 2033, after a launch planned in 2030.
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China is therefore on the way to becoming the first country to bring back samples from March on Earth, yet a priority objective for NASA for several decades …
However, despite this apparent advance of the Tianwen-3 mission, Francis RocardFrancis Rocardspecialist in Martian exploration, warns against a possible excessive optimism. According to him, it is essential to ” nuance this potential success “And to remember that the” Return of samples from March is not limited to a technical feat, but meets various scientific objectives, in particular the search for traces of ancient life ». This raises the question of ” quality and relevance of samples collected ». Even if the Chinese mission succeeds in bringing samples on earth, it ” does not guarantee that the samples are of quality or significant scientific levels ». Explanations.
A less ambitious approach
The mission Mars Sample Return (MSR) of China is often perceived as less technologically advanced compared to that of NASA and ESA because of its simpler architecture. This can arouse the idea of a less ambitious approach. However, as Francis Rocard points out, ” This simplicity is relative, because bringing samples from the Moon, an asteroid or even Mars and its moons constitutes a real technological feat ». In Revanche, the mission of the Nasa et de l’A that is « distinguishes by its technical capacity to land with precision on sites difficult to access ». With the rover PerseverancePerseveranceNASA has demonstrated its ability to ” Collect and condition a wide range of samples from various Martian land and environments ». These two points – the technical ambition and the diversity of samples – therefore represent ” fundamental differences between the approaches adopted by Chinese and Western missions ».
The Chinese mission is based on two launches of the rocketrocket Long March 5, including an landing, a rise vehicle, a orbiter and a return module. This landing will not be able to move. To collect samples, he will use an arm roboticsrobotics and a drill. However, the collection actions will be limited to a two -meter radius around its landing site, thus restoring the diversity of samples.
In this context, even if the ” Chinese mission is ahead and could be the first to bring samples to earth “, Tianwen-3 is, from a scientific point of view, more limited compared to the mission of NASA and ESA. As Francis Rocard points out, the ” Diversity of chosen sites is essential to obtain a widest possible vision of the conditions spent on Mars. Collecting samples from different strategic sites is essential for significant results ». This implies a strategic choice of ” These sites according to their scientific interest. This diversity is absolutely major ». However, she is absent with the Chinese mission.
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Concretely, although the Chinese mission aims to collect samples of an undeniable interest, the ” expectations must remain moderate with regard to the search for life ». Indeed, these samples will not relate to the ” areas linked to theexobiologyexobiology or in search of traces of life, whether extinguished or in activity ». The emphasis will be placed on the ” Dating, geochemistry and analysis of Martian dust, which is supposed to be much more dangerous than that of the Moon. Characteristics such as its toxicitytoxicity and its irritable potential raise concerns about the associated risks ».
China has not yet unveiled the landing site of the Tianwen-3 mission. At the beginning of 2024 it reduced to three the number of sites envisaged for its mission:
The question of landing
Although these sites are home to environments potentially favorable to life, such as sedimentary or hydrothermal systems, tianwen-3 landing restrictions will be very strong, which ” will prevent him from accessing the most promising sites in mattermatter Martian life ».
“The Mars Sample Return of NASA and ESA “more than ever necessary and considered as a privileged path to make significant discoveries concerning Martian life””
Unsurprisingly, China judiciously puts on security by targeting a ” Landage ellipse of 50 kilometers out of 20, while the MSR mission of NASA and ESA aims to land of unprecedented precision, with a target area of only 8 kilometers in diameter, near Perseverance ”. For China, this approach allows ” Guarantee a secure landing by avoiding damaged terrain, obstacles such as rocky rocks and slopes. ”
We can therefore say that these technical constraints accentuate the attraction of the mission Mars Sample ReturnMars Sample Return of NASA and ESA, which is ” More than ever necessary and considered as a privileged path to make significant discoveries concerning Martian life ».
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