Tianwen-3 by CNSA: status and timeline

Milestones

Next · Flight model development underway

Flight model development underwayTarget Mar 2026Current milestone.
Launch window opensTarget Dec 2028Not yet reached.
Sample return to EarthTarget 2031Not yet reached.

Most important updates

CNSA's Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission enters spacecraft construction; 2028 launch plannedMar 2026

Upcoming

Mar 2026Flight model development underway (next)
Dec 2028Launch window opens
2031Sample return to Earth

Current obstacles

First-time Mars sample returnNASA's Mars Sample Return was cancelled; new containment and biosafety tech needed.
Long-duration autonomous operationsLanding, drilling, ascent, and rendezvous must execute flawlessly with 3-22 minute comms delays.

Physics limits

Martian atmosphere densityMars's thin atmosphere (0.6% of Earth's) requires specialized landing and ascent systems.
Sample return energy budgetLifting material from Mars, achieving orbit, and returning to Earth requires massive fuel reserves.

How it works

3 parts

Two-launch architecture

Sequential deployment

Two Long March 5 rockets carry components separately due to mass limits.

Landing and sampling

Robotic surface operations

Lander drills and collects ≥500 grams of subsurface material.

Ascent and rendezvous

Return sequence

Ascent vehicle launches from Mars, docks with orbiter, transfers samples for Earth return.

Spec sheet

Spec	Tianwen-3
Sample return mass	≥500 g^R (reported)
Spacecraft modules	5 (lander, ascent, service, orbiter, return)^R (reported)
Launch vehicles	Two Long March 5 heavy-lift rockets^R (reported)
Scientific instrument suites	6^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Update log

1 update

Mar 2026

Major: CNSA's Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission enters spacecraft construction; 2028 launch plannedPressResearch

About CNSA

The team behind Tianwen-3

CNSA

China lunar exploration, Chang'e, Tianwen missions

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is China's government civil space agency, established in 1993. It manages the country's lunar and planetary exploration programs, including the Chang'e lunar missions and Tianwen deep space exploration projects.

China's civil space agency founded in 1993. Operates the world's most active lunar program, deploying hardware constantly.
Chang'e missions map south pole ice; Tianwen explores asteroids and comets for sample return.
Manages lunar, planetary, orbital and space station programs in parallel.

cnsa.gov.cn (opens cnsa.gov.cn)Company profile →

Founded: 199333 yrs
Headquarters: China
Status: Government
Valuation: government
Works in: SpaceflightMoon & deep space
Coverage: 3 programs · 1 updatelatest 1 Mar 2026checked 10 Oct
Suppliers: China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) (opens spacechina.com)

Spec

Tianwen-3

Sample return mass

≥500 g^R (reported)

Spacecraft modules

5 (lander, ascent, service, orbiter, return)^R (reported)

Launch vehicles

Two Long March 5 heavy-lift rockets^R (reported)

Scientific instrument suites

6^R (reported)