China launches spacecraft to collect samples from asteroid near Mars

China's space agency has initiated a mission to send a spacecraft to an asteroid situated near Mars, with the objective of collecting physical samples from its surface. This mission is part of China's ongoing efforts to expand its presence and capabilities in space exploration. The spacecraft will travel to the target asteroid, conduct a landing, and attempt to retrieve material samples, which will then be returned to Earth for analysis. Such missions are important for advancing scientific understanding of the composition and history of asteroids, which can provide insights into the early solar system and the origins of planetary bodies. China's space program has previously achieved several milestones, including lunar sample return missions and the deployment of a rover on Mars. This new mission underscores China's commitment to deep space exploration and international scientific collaboration. The space agency has stated that the mission aims to yield significant scientific discoveries, further enhancing knowledge of near-Earth objects and planetary science.