Rightways: China unveils its 2020 Mars probe, Tianwen-1 天問一号

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China's first Mars exploration mission was officially named "Tianwen-1" on Friday, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The mission is to launch a Mars probe in 2020, aiming to complete orbiting, landing and roving in one mission.

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Tianwen-1 is the name of China’s first Mars exploration mission, scheduled to be launched this year. The name Tianwen (天問, Questions to Heaven) comes from a poem written by the Chinese poet Qu Yuan. The mission will be launched by the Long March-5 Y4 rocket. Credit: China Central Television (CCTV)

Tianwen-1 mission to Mars

Name is derived from a poem by great poet of ancient China

China’s first Mars exploration mission has been named Tianwen-1, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on the country’s Space Day.

The name comes from the long poem Tianwen, meaning Questions to Heaven, written by Qu Yuan (about 340-278 BC), one of the greatest poets of ancient China.

In Tianwen, Qu Yuan raised a series of questions in verse involving the sky, stars, natural phenomena, myths and the real world, showing his doubts about some traditional concepts and the spirit of seeking the truth.

CNSA said all of China’s planetary exploration missions in the future will be named the Tianwen series, signifying the Chinese nation’s perseverance in pursuing truth and science and exploring nature and the universe.

CNSA also unveiled the logo of China’s planetary exploration missions, featuring the letter C, signifying China, international cooperation and capacity of entering space.

China plans to launch the Mars probe in 2020, aiming to complete orbiting, landing and roving in one mission.

Since 2016, China has set April 24 as the country’s Space Day to mark the launch of its first satellite Dongfanghong-1 into space on April 24, 1970. This year is the 50th anniversary of the start of China’s entry into space.

Zhang Kejian, head of CNSA, said that over the past 50 years, Chinese space engineers and scientists have overcome various difficulties and achieved aerospace development through self-reliance and independent innovation.

He said CNSA is willing to work with the international community to make new and greater contributions to exploring the mysteries of the universe and promoting human welfare on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, peaceful utilization and inclusive development.

Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Wagner, the Russian crew members of the International Space Station, sent a congratulatory video to China from the space station.

Although humankind is now facing a severe crisis related to the epidemiological threat, such important anniversaries should not be overshadowed, said the astronauts. - Xinhua

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