China schedules Tianwen-3 Mars sample return for 2031 amid US program cuts

The short version

• Chinese scientist Hou Zengqian confirmed that the Tianwen-3 mission is slated to launch in 2028 and bring Martian soil samples back to Earth in 2031.[Jalopnik]
• The mission will use two Long March 5 rockets and a stationary lander to drill seven feet and collect roughly 18 ounces of Martian material.[Jalopnik]
• The U.S. Mars Sample Return mission was not spared by Congress from proposed NASA cuts after estimated costs climbed between $7 billion and $11 billion.[Jalopnik]
• The U.S. effort could still secure $8 billion if Congress passes the NASA Authorization Act of 2026.[Jalopnik]

Key facts

• Chinese scientist Hou Zengqian stated that the Tianwen-3 mission is scheduled to launch in 2028 and return Martian soil and rock samples to Earth in 2031.[Jalopnik]
• Tianwen-3 plans to launch two Long March 5 rockets carrying an orbiter and a stationary lander designed to drill seven feet and retrieve roughly 18 ounces of material.[Jalopnik]
• NASA's Mars Sample Return mission was dropped from congressional protections against proposed funding cuts following cost projections between $7 billion and $11 billion.[Jalopnik]
• Lockheed Martin offered to execute NASA's Mars retrieval mission for $3 billion.[Jalopnik]
• The NASA Authorization Act of 2026 would designate $8 billion for a sample retrieval mission if enacted into law.[Jalopnik]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• China Plans To Return Samples From Mars In 2031 After The U.S. Cancels Its Own PlansJalopnik