CNSA releases images of Earth and Moon by Tianwen-2 from 590,000 km in deep space |

Source: Astronomy Magazine

China’s Tianwen-2 probe has formally begun its deep space mission by capturing a shocking picture of Earth and the Moon from 590,000 kilometers away. Released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on July 1, the picture symbolises the beginning of a decade-long journey to discover a near-Earth asteroid and a distant comet. Launched on May 29, Tianwen-2 will gather samples from asteroid Kamo’oalewa by 2027 and later examine comet 311P/PANSTARRS. This dual-target mission marks a big step ahead for China’s space program, aiming to unlock key secrets and techniques concerning the origin of the Moon, water, and life.

Tianwen-2 probe: Earth-Moon images from deep space launched by CNSA

The beautiful photograph was taken on May 30, 2025, when Tianwen-2 was practically 590,000 kilometers away from Earth. The image superbly frames Earth and its pure satellite tv for pc, the Moon, collectively in the huge darkness of space. This picture was captured utilizing the spacecraft’s narrow-field-of-view navigation sensor, an instrument designed to assist the spacecraft preserve its orientation and allow exact autonomous navigation.This digital camera performs a important function in guiding Tianwen-2 by deep space, permitting it to function independently from floor management whereas sustaining stability throughout its lengthy voyage.

Source: CNSA

Source: CNSA

Tianwen-2 marks milestone with over 12 million km travelled since May 29 launch

As of July 1, 2025, CNSA stories that Tianwen-2 is working easily. As reported, the Tianwen-2 probe has been in orbit for 33 days with a distance of 12 million kilometres since its May 29 launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 3B rocket. Its profitable efficiency in this early stage builds confidence in its skill to finish its advanced multi-target mission.This probe is a component of China’s broader space technique to increase its scientific attain past the Moon and Mars, pushing boundaries into asteroid and comet exploration—domains beforehand dominated by NASA, ESA, and JAXA.

Tianwen-2 heads towards Kamo’oalewa; a mysterious near-Earth asteroid

Tianwen-2 is heading towards Kamo’oalewa, a small near-Earth asteroid that orbits the Sun in a path much like Earth’s. What makes this asteroid significantly intriguing is the speculation that it may be a fraction of the Moon, dislodged by a large impression occasion in the distant previous.Upon arrival in 2026, the spacecraft will conduct detailed investigations, together with:

The samples will then be returned to Earth by 2027, offering researchers with uncommon, untouched materials from a near-Earth object—doubtlessly from the Moon’s historic previous.

Tianwen-2 to discover mysterious comet after asteroid pattern return

Tianwen-2’s mission doesn’t finish after the asteroid pattern returns. It will probably be re-tasked to check the comet 311P/PANSTARRS, recognized for its lively tail and mysterious mud ejection occasions. This part of the mission might start shortly after the asteroid go to and will contain:

Scientists hope this exploration might present very important clues concerning the origin of Earth’s water and natural molecules, serving to to reply one of science’s oldest questions—how life-supporting components arrived on our planet.

Tianwen-2 units a brand new commonplace with 10-year asteroid-to-comet space voyage

According to The Astronomy Magazine, the Tianwen-2 mission is deliberate to final greater than 10 years, making it one of the longest and most scientifically wealthy deep-space missions in China’s historical past. Its dual-phase nature—first concentrating on an asteroid, then a comet—requires distinctive engineering and mission planning.This technique mirrors the complexity and ambition of missions like NASA’s OSIRIS-REx and ESA’s Rosetta, however with a uniquely Chinese twist: combining asteroid pattern return and comet statement right into a single, seamless voyage.Also Read | NASA alert! 120-foot airplane-sized asteroid 2025 MM to make closest flyby on Earth at present; ought to we be involved