It is very likely that the "delayed to 2030" was a misquotation or misinterpretation by reporter. The person who supposedly said so is the head of the manned space program not the mars sample return program. He is likely in the know but certainly not the one to release official decisions. Besides we never saw the full texts of his words, so it could be that he was talking about the mission end time 2030, but the news reporter misstaken it for the mission start time. Problem with the reporter is that they may have no detailed knowledge of the mission plan (2028 launch), so if they misstaken the time, they would not be alerted to ask for verification. The very short time span of "changing of plan back and forth" is another indication of misquotation.
China's Space Program Thread II
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Mars launch window is Dec 2028, it's either that or 2032, 2030 was always the return date.The Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission has now been shifted left, back to its original timeline of around 2028.
Using CZ-10 is a possibility, or even the preferred option. But certainly not the maiden flight in 2027. It is the wrong time, also too risky for a launch window of 2 weeks in 2 years, no room for mistake. I would expect CZ-10 in its maiden flight to put a big lander on the moon as part of the moon base program, then go to Mars in 2028 after examing the performance of maiden flight. There is still room to fix any problems or switch to combo of CZ-3 and CZ-5 which is the other option..
If development of heavy rocket (CZ-10) is at risk, it can be considered to use existing rockets for two launches (CZ-3 and CZ-5).
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by78
General
Ten more satellites of Geely's Geespace constellation was successfully launched by a Long March 6 earlier today. This was the 534th flight of the Long March series. With the latest batch of satellites, Geespace constellation now has 30 in orbit. By 2025, Geely expects 72 satellites in operation, which will conclude phase I of the constellation. Phase II will add 264 direct-to-cell satellites, and phase III will see additional 5,676 satellites to provide LEO broadband to global customers.
by78
General
At the current China-Africa Cooperation Forum, China has a China-Africa Satellite Remote Sensing Application Cooperation Center for Africa, carry out marine space planning cooperation, and support African countries to participate in the International Lunar Scientific Research Station Project and China's lunar exploration and Fire Exploration Project.
I think it's about expected for a PRC equivalent to X-37B.
Considering the usual degree of secrecy for PRC military projects with potential strategic significance, it would be odd if they weren't that secretive. Doesn't necessarily mean it's a big deal or particularly capable relative to known global peers.