From: | Keywords: China Mars image
French.china.org.cn | Updated on 07/23/2022
China’s Tianwen-1 probe returned high-resolution images of Mars’ natural satellite Phobos on Saturday, marking the second anniversary of the launch.
Phobos and Deimos are two natural satellites of the red planet. Phobos is the largest, has an irregular shape and no atmosphere. It is the closest satellite to the main star of the solar system.
The Tianwen-1 operations team captured the moment the orbiter was near Phobos and obtained clear images of the satellite in its “full moon” state, said the National Space Administration of China.
This is the first time China has conducted Phobos imaging exploration and obtained first-hand close-range scientific data. This provides valuable data for scientists to study Phobos’ topography and operating rules and gain experience for China’s planetary exploration program, experts at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation said.
The Tianwen-1 probe consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover. On May 15, 2021, it reached its preselected landing zone in Utopia Planitia, a vast Martian plain, marking the first trip by a Chinese probe to the planet.
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