China aims to return Mars samples in 2031 while NASA’s mission remains in limbo
China's Tianwen-3 mission is targeting a 2028 launch to return Martian soil and rock samples to Earth by 2031. This mission uses a simpler design than NASA's current efforts, potentially allowing China to be the first to complete a Mars sample return.
Why it matters
The race to return Martian samples represents a significant milestone in space exploration and international scientific competition.
ⓘ ChatGPT Concept art of China’s Tianwen-3 mission, which aims to return Martian rock and soil samples to Earth. China’s Tianwen-3 mission is targeting a 2028 launch and could return the first-ever Martian rock and soil samples to Earth in 2031. Its simpler design may give China a chance to beat NASA’s uncertain Mars Sample Return effort. Andrew Sozinov , Published 09/14/2026 Astronomy / Space Science 4 Reviews exclude selected types exclude selected tags China is moving ahead with plans to return samples from Mars, with the Tianwen-3 mission currently scheduled to launch in 2028. The ambitious project could give China a chance to be the first country to bring Martian material back to Earth — potentially ahead of NASA’s Mars Sample Return effort, whose future remains uncertain.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in