'Cosmic snapshot' mirrors China's strength in innovation

On Oct. 1, the China National Space Administration unveiled a remarkable image of the Tianwen-2 probe alongside Earth, captured during its deep-space journey.

- By BEI HU

This image released by the China National Space Administration shows a view of the Tianwen-3 probe's ascender approaching the orbiter-returner combination in lunar orbit. The released image, acquired by a monitoring camera installed on the orbiter-returner, shows the ascender carrying a Chinese national flag and the return capsule against the backdrop of the Earth. (Photo/China National Space Administration)

(China National Space Administration)

The newly released image, acquired by a monitoring camera mounted on the probe's robotic arm, showcases China's five-starred red flag and the white return capsule against the backdrop of a distant, blue Earth - a sight that netizens affectionately hailed as a “cosmic snapshot.”

Behind the image lies China's expanding capability in deep-space exploration. Over a decade-long expedition, the Tianwen-2 mission aims to collect samples from near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 and explore the main-belt comet 311P, which is farther from Earth than Mars.

Smarter probes, more reliable launch vehicles, and more powerful tracking, telemetry and communications have together enabled Tianwen-2 to embark on its "ten-year journey,” once again showcasing the brilliance of Chinese innovation in space.