China is on course to retrieve a can containing Martian rock samples and bring it back to Earth. Its grand plans include a lightweight device that will capture Martian rock samples in orbit.

Chinese spacecraft will catch a can of Martian rock samples in space

China is moving ahead with sending a mission to Mars two years earlier than its initial plans. It announced that it is ready to launch Tianwen-3 mission to Mars in 2028.

China Mars Mission ready for 2028 launch, will bring back 600 grams of Martian soil

According to reports, China intends to return Mars samples to Earth in 2031, two years ahead of NASA and European Space Agency's joint project. China's Tianwen-1 had started sending pictures of Mars in February last year.

China planning to bring Mars sample to Earth before NASA, ESA joint mission

China's National Space Science Center has announced that the country has developed a prototype miniature helicopter for surveillance work on future Mars missions.

China builds miniature prototype helicopter for surveillance on Mars