12 Incredible Space Missions Set to Unravel Universe's Biggest Mysteries

8. Tianwen-2: China’s Comet & Asteroid Collector

China’s deep-space ambitions are scaling up fast, and Tianwen-2 is the proof. Following the success of Tianwen-1 (which landed on Mars), the China National Space Administration (CNSA) is aiming for both a near-Earth asteroid and a comet. Scheduled for launch in 2025, Tianwen-2’s mission is two-fold: grab samples from a small, fast-moving asteroid, then swing deeper into space to chase a comet. By analyzing these untouched relics, scientists hope to learn more about the building blocks of the early solar system—and maybe, down the line, protect Earth from cosmic threats. For a world increasingly reliant on global science partnerships, Tianwen-2 is a milestone: it shows just how interconnected our pursuit of the universe has become.