Key facts
- China plans to complete a geological map of Mars by the end of 2028.
- The map will be the first AI-driven geological map of Mars.
- Hou Zengqian, chief scientist of the Tianwen-3 mission, announced the plan.
- The mission is part of China's space rivalry with the United States.
China is set to complete a comprehensive geological map of Mars by the end of 2028, a move that underscores the growing space rivalry between Beijing and Washington. Hou Zengqian, chief scientist for China's upcoming Tianwen-3 Mars mission, announced the plan, stating that the map would cover the planet's entire surface and aim to establish a global standard for Martian geological ages.
This initiative is highlighted as the first AI-driven geological map of Mars. The announcement comes amid broader competition in space exploration between China and the United States, with China's Mars program reportedly outpacing US plans due to delays in American missions.