OMM Redaksiyası
China plans to complete the world’s first artificial intelligence-based geological map of Mars by the end of 2028. The project aims to reconstruct the Red Planet’s ancient water history and establish a new scientific framework for its geological timescale.
Hou Zengqian, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and chief scientist of the Tianwen-3 mission, announced the plan at a symposium held in Beijing on Sept. 28.
The entire surface of Mars to be mapped
The new map will cover the entire surface of Mars. It will combine data collected by the Zhurong rover with orbital imagery, radar, gravity and magnetic measurements obtained from probes operated by China, the United States and the European Space Agency.
Artificial intelligence will play a key role in processing the vast volume of data. The systems will analyze various processes, from identifying minerals in specific areas to mapping tectonic structures on a planetary scale. Scientists’ geological expertise will also be integrated into the models.
Data from the Zhurong rover, which landed on Mars in 2021 as part of the Tianwen-1 mission, has provided evidence that a large ancient ocean may have existed on the planet about 3.5 billion years ago. The data also indicate that short-lived floods may have occurred as recently as 1.6 billion years ago.
Mars’ geological timescale could be revised
China is also proposing a new system for dividing Mars’ geological history. The current international approach divides the planet’s history into the Noachian, Hesperian and Amazonian periods based on the density of visible craters. The system relies on the number of craters rather than precise absolute dates.
China’s proposed model seeks to establish a more precise, data-driven chronological standard. Beijing hopes the framework will eventually become part of an international scientific consensus.
The map will also include high-resolution geological maps, at a scale of 1:50,000, of the planned landing area for the Tianwen-3 mission. The data will enable researchers to study the area’s terrain and geological features before the spacecraft lands.
Preparations for the Tianwen-3 mission
The project will provide an important scientific foundation for the Tianwen-3 mission, which is scheduled to take place toward the end of 2028. The mission aims to collect at least 500 grams of material from Mars and return the samples to Earth around 2031.
The mission is planned to involve two separate launches. One launch will carry the lander and ascent vehicle, while the other will transport the orbiter and Earth-return capsule. If successful, China will become the first country to return samples from Mars. No country has yet achieved this goal.
Scientists say the mapping methodology could serve as a model for future geological studies of other celestial bodies, including the Moon, Venus and asteroids.
Over the past 70 years, China’s geological mapping institute has carried out various projects, ranging from regional surveys to lunar mapping. Institute Director Yang Zhiming said the work had established a scientific basis for the country’s planetary research program by helping determine where to go, what to study and the purpose of the research.
