China and Russia will launch their Mars explorations as a joint mission in 2009 according to the Shanghai Space Administration. The mission is named Phobos-Grunt and will examine Mars environment, atmosphere, dust storms, plasma, radiation and also bring samples of Phobos (Mars’ moon) on its return.
The home-developed Chinese probe would be completed by 2009. It is 75 centimeters long, 75 centimeters wide and 60 centimeters high. Weighing 110 kilograms it will be able to sustain 2 years on the mission. At present its model can be viewed at the space technology exhibition. For China this will be the first mission on Mars.
Chen Changya, a researcher with the Shanghai Institute of Satellite Engineering said:
Researchers are pressing ahead with the project for a synchronized launching with a Russian probe.
Chen also believes that a Russian carrier rocket will be used for the launch of Chinese Probe and Russia’s Phobos-Grunt. It is hoped that the two will land on Mars in 2010 after 10 month’s flight.
Source:english
