Urdu Report Desk
China plans to complete a new-generation geological map covering the entire surface of Mars by the end of 2028, using artificial intelligence to analyze data and develop a new framework for understanding the planet’s geological history.
The project aims to establish a Chinese system for dividing Martian geological time and promote it as an international reference for determining the geological ages of Mars.
AI-Powered Mapping of Mars
According to China’s plan, the project will combine data from the Tianwen-1 mission with information from US and European Space Agency Mars probes. The data will include imagery, spectral observations, radar, gravity and magnetic measurements to create a global database of the planet’s geological characteristics.
Artificial intelligence will be used to interpret the data, with geological expertise incorporated into large models through rule-based systems. The project is expected to produce a 1:5 million-scale geological map of Mars, a detailed 1:50,000-scale map of the Tianwen-3 landing area and a series of thematic atlases.
Zhurong Rover Findings
Data from China’s Zhurong rover will also be incorporated into the new geological map. The rover, which landed on Mars in 2021 as part of the Tianwen-1 mission, provided evidence suggesting that a large ancient ocean may have existed on Mars about 3.5 billion years ago, while short-lived flooding may have occurred around 1.6 billion years ago.
Scientists say these findings could help improve understanding of Mars’ ancient water history and the evolution of its climate.
Tianwen-3 Mars Sample-Return Mission
China is also preparing the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission, which is planned for launch around 2028. The mission aims to collect and return at least 500 grams of Martian material to Earth by around 2031.
The mission is designed to use separate spacecraft components for landing, launching samples from the Martian surface, orbiting Mars and returning the samples to Earth. China’s National Space Administration has said the mission is planned for launch around 2028 and sample return around 2031.
A New Reference for Planetary Mapping
China’s planned Mars geological map is intended not only to improve understanding of the Red Planet but also to serve as a model for future geological mapping of the Moon, Venus and asteroids.
