China’s Tianwen-1 Orbiter Observes Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS
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Published: October 26, 2025 | By Rachel Kim, World Today News
Beijing – China’s Tianwen-1 orbiter, currently in orbit around Mars, has successfully observed the interstellar object designated 3I/ATLAS using its high-resolution camera, according to the China National Space administration (CNSA).
Close Proximity Observation
The spacecraft achieved this observation while approximately 30 million kilometers from 3I/ATLAS, marking one of the closest encounters ever recorded by a space vehicle with an interstellar object.
Comet Features Confirmed
Data processed by ground-based submission systems revealed distinct comet features within the images captured by Tianwen-1. Researchers compiled a series of images taken over a 30-second period into an animation, illustrating the object’s movement through space. The resulting data is currently being utilized for in-depth scientific analysis of 3I/ATLAS.
Preparing for Tianwen-2
The CNSA highlighted that this successful observation serves as a crucial follow-up mission for Tianwen-1.Moreover, the ability to detect such faint celestial objects provides a valuable technical validation for the upcoming Tianwen-2 mission, launched in May. Tianwen-2 is designed to collect samples from near-Earth asteroids and explore main belt comets.
Original reporting by Xinhua, edited by Santoso. Copyright © ANTARA 2025.
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