China’s Tianwen-1 probe to enter Mars’ orbit

The country is hoping to add its name to the short list of nations that have successfully reached the red planet, after its first attempt with Russia in 2011 failed to make it through Earth’s orbit

Wed, 10 Feb, 2021 - 07:13

Jamie Harris, PA Science Technology Reporter

Mars is set to welcome its second probe in the space of 24 hours on Wednesday, with China’s Tianwen-1 expected to enter orbit.

The country is hoping to add its name to the short list of nations that have successfully reached the red planet, after its first attempt with Russia in 2011 failed to make it through Earth’s orbit.