JOURNAL ARTICLE

China sets out to sample an unusual near-Earth asteroid.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Normile, Dennis 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on China's upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, which aims to collect samples from the near-Earth asteroid 469219 Kamo'oalewa, potentially a fragment of the Moon. Scheduled for launch by the end of the month, the mission seeks to explore Kamo'oalewa's unique quasi-satellite orbit and its origins, which may be linked to lunar impacts. The asteroid, discovered in 2016, has shown spectral characteristics similar to lunar materials, prompting further investigation into its composition. The mission will utilize advanced techniques to gather samples, with the potential to enhance understanding of impact physics and the early Solar System. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/05, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:185421589
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