Challenges await sample-return expedition to Mars

Chinese scientists and engineers will need to solve a host of technological challenges to accomplish an ambitious sample-return mission to Mars, said Wu Weiren, a key figure in the country's deep-space exploration program and also a top political adviser.

A senior scientist with the China National Space Administration and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Wu said the mission, which is being planned, will likely involve several steps that resemble procedures in China's Chang'e 5 lunar mission.

First, a landing capsule will touch down on the Martian surface and collect and seal samples. Next, it will lift an ascender to transfer the samples to a spacecraft orbiting Mars, and then the orbiter will release a reentry craft to carry the samples back to Earth.