China releases photos of its Mars rover on surface of the red planet
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A third image shows the Chinese flag near the landing platform. The rover also took a selfie using a wireless camera, showing its extended solar panels and a tiny Chinese flag emblazoned on its equipment.
The six-wheel solar-powered rover is intended to last three months, during which it will search for signs or evidence of ancient life on Mars’ surface. While the rover explores the planet, its orbiter is also conducting scientific detection operations.
“China will publish the related scientific data in a timely manner to let humankind share in the fruits of the country’s space exploration development,” said Zhang Kejian, head of China’s national space agency, in the Xinhua report.
China launched its Tianwen-1 probe, carrying Zhurong and other equipment, last July along with two other international Mars missions: NASA’s Perseverance rover and the United Arab Emirates’ Hope Probe.
All three missions launched around the same time due to an alignment between Mars and the Earth on the same side of the sun, making for a more efficient journey to the red planet.
While Zhurong is not as technologically advanced as NASA’s Perseverance, which is also currently roving Mars, its presence sends a clear signal that China’s space capabilities are catching up with those of the US.
The core module is currently the largest spacecraft developed by China. But the station will need to be assembled from several modules launching at different times; the station could be fully operational by the end of 2022, according to Chinese state media.
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