China Accelerates Mars Sample-Return Mission, Challenging NASA's Delayed Efforts

China moves its Tianwen-3 mission launch to 2028, while NASA grapples with cost and complexity issues in its Mars sample-return program.

China advances its Mars sample-return mission timeline by two years, aiming for a 2028 launch.
NASA's Mars Sample Return mission faces delays and budget overruns, with costs rising to $11 billion.
China's Tianwen-3 mission will use dual rocket launches to collect and return Martian samples.
The mission aims to search for signs of life and conduct surface sampling with advanced robotics.
NASA seeks innovative solutions from private companies to streamline its Mars sample-return project.