Beijing: China’s Tianwen-2 asteroid mission has reached Kamo’oalewa, a near-Earth asteroid often called Earth’s “mini moon,” with sample collection set to begin.
The spacecraft launched on May 28, 2025, on China’s first asteroid sample-return mission. The mission targets 20-100 grams of surface material from Kamo’oalewa.
Kamo’oalewa was discovered in 2016. The asteroid measures about 40 to 100 meters across. It orbits the Sun in synchronisation with Earth.
That orbit makes it appear to follow Earth like a small moon. Scientists are studying whether Kamo’oalewa came from the Moon.
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The reflected-light studies show similarities with lunar rocks collected during the Apollo missions.
Tianwen-2 will first map and assess the asteroid with onboard scientific instruments. The spacecraft is expected to use touch-and-go sampling or an anchor-and-attach method with drills, depending on surface conditions.
The sample capsule is scheduled to return to Earth in November 2027. After the sample return, the spacecraft is expected to continue toward 311P/ Pan STARRS, an active main-belt comet.
