China’s Tianwen-1 probe returned high-resolution images of Mars’ natural satellite Phobos on Saturday, marking the second anniversary of the launch.
Phobos and Deimos are two natural satellites of the red planet. Phobos is the largest, has an irregular shape and lacks an atmosphere. It is the closest satellite to the main star of the solar system.
The Tianwen-1 operation team captured the moment the orbiter was close to Phobos and obtained clear images of the satellite in its “full moon” state, the National Space Administration said. from China.
This is the first time that China has carried out Phobos imaging exploration and obtained first-hand short-range scientific data. This provides valuable data for scientists to study the topography and operating rules of Phobos and accumulate experience for China’s planetary exploration program, experts from China Aerospace Science and Technology said. Corporation.
The Tianwen-1 probe consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover. On May 15, 2021, it reached its preselected landing zone in Utopia Planitia, a vast Martian plain, marking the first trip of a Chinese probe to the planet.
