China to Complete Mars Mapping by 2028

China plans to create a new-generation geological map covering the entire surface of Mars by the end of 2028. Hou Zengxian, chief scientist of China’s next Mars mission, Tianwen-3, announced the plan.
According to a report by China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, it will be the first AI-powered geological map of Mars. It will also incorporate a new framework proposed by China for determining the geological ages of Mars. China aims to have the framework accepted internationally.
Data from the Tianwen-1 mission and findings from China’s Zhurong rover will be used to prepare the map. Based on data from Zhurong, Chinese researchers said they have found evidence that a vast ancient ocean existed on Mars around 3.5 billion years ago. The data also indicate the possibility of short-lived floods around 1.6 billion years ago.
The project will include a global map, along with more detailed geological maps of potential landing sites at a scale of 1:50,000 and various thematic atlases. These will be used for the scientific preparation of the Tianwen-3 mission.
Through Tianwen-1, China has already produced a colour map of the entire surface of Mars with a resolution of 76 metres. According to a study published in Science Bulletin in 2024, the map covers 100 per cent of the Martian surface.
The new project is being viewed as a major step in China’s Mars research. Its timeline is also directly linked to preparations for the Tianwen-3 mission scheduled for 2028.
Source: South China Morning Post