China's Tianwen-3 Mission Advances Mars Sample Collection and Bio-Safety Measures
China is advancing its Mars Sample Return plans with the Tianwen-3 mission, aiming to bring back Martian samples around 2031, potentially challenging the US's leadership in Mars exploration, especially as NASA's own MSR program faces budget issues and delays. The US is considering ending its MSR efforts in favor of other priorities, while China emphasizes international cooperation and safety measures for returned samples. The competition raises questions about future leadership in Mars exploration and sample collection.