A groundbreaking mission marking a significant step in deep space exploration has achieved a critical milestone. A sophisticated probe designed by China to investigate both an asteroid and a comet successfully deployed its crucial solar panels.
This deployment is a vital phase early in the spacecraft’s long and complex journey. The large wings of solar cells are essential for providing the power needed to operate all the probe’s systems, including its scientific instruments and communication equipment, as it ventures far from Earth.
The mission, which aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and later explore a main-belt comet, represents a major advancement in planetary science and deep space technology. The successful unfurling of the solar arrays ensures the spacecraft is ready to navigate the vastness of space and perform its ambitious scientific objectives over the coming years. This development highlights the technical prowess and growing ambition of China’s space program in exploring celestial bodies beyond the Moon. The team overseeing the mission is undoubtedly encouraged by this successful step, paving the way for future observations and maneuvers as the probe travels towards its initial target, the asteroid.
Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2025/06/09/chinas_asteroidandcomet_hunter_probe_unfurls/
