China's Tianwen-2 Mission Targets Near-Earth Asteroid 2016 HO3 and Comet 311P

China's Tianwen-2 mission, the nation's second interplanetary endeavor, is set to explore the near-Earth asteroid 2016 HO3 (Kamo'oalewa) and the main-belt comet 311P. The mission, scheduled for launch in the first half of the year, will utilize a probe consisting of an orbiter and a reentry module. The spacecraft will orbit 2016 HO3, collect surface samples with a mechanical arm, and return them to Earth via a reentry module. The orbiter will then proceed to comet 311P for further study. 2016 HO3, discovered in 2016, is Earth's closest known quasi-satellite. Comet 311P resides in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The Tianwen program, which includes the successful Tianwen-1 Mars mission, aims to expand knowledge of the solar system's formation and composition.