China names its Mars mission Tianwen-1 ahead of its planned launch this year

News:China National Space Administration (CNSA) named its Mars mission as “Tianwen”

Facts:

  • It is China’s first Mars exploration mission. The name comes from the long poem “Tianwen,” meaning Questions to Heaven, written by Qu Yuan
  • It is planned to be launched in 2020. It aims to complete orbiting, landing and roving in one mission.