
China aims to finish an AI-driven geological map of Mars by the end of 2028, incorporating data from its Zhu Rong rover to support preparations for the Tianwen-3 mission amid growing space rivalry with the United States.
AI-generated summary
China has been expanding its Mars exploration efforts, including the successful deployment of the Zhu Rong rover as part of the Tianwen-1 mission. The country is now preparing for the Tianwen-3 mission, which aims to return samples from Mars.
China plans to complete a geological map of Mars by the end of 2028, as the red planet increasingly features in its space rivalry with the United States.
State news agency Xinhua reported that the map would be the first AI-driven geological map of Mars and would be an important part of preparations for the Tianwen-3 mission.
Hou said the map would incorporate findings from Zhu Rong, the first rover China sent to Mars.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
China will complete the AI-driven geological map of Mars by the end of 2028
Likely · Within years
The geological map will support the Tianwen-3 mission objectives
Likely · Within years

The Chinese Academy of Sciences has released its research blueprint for 2026-2030, prioritizing artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, and nuclear fusion to bolster national competitiveness in global science and technology.

A Chinese commercial fusion company has successfully achieved high-parameter hydrogen-boron plasma control, representing a milestone in neutron-free magnetic confinement fusion research, distinct from the deuterium-tritium fuel used by ITER.
It was learned at the Hainan Provincial Press Conference that the scientific quality of Hainan citizens improved the fastest in the country during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period. Hainan Provincial Science and Technology Association continues to help young people steadily improve their scientific quality and cultivate young reserve talents for the free trade port through measures such as creating a science popularization stage, organizing high-quality competitions, and improving policy systems.

The China Geological Survey of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People's Republic of China announced that the "Dream" ocean drilling ship completed two well drilling in the 4,100-meter water depth of the South China Sea and successfully drilled deep ocean basin basalt samples, setting a new record for China's independent implementation of the largest operational water depth drilling. China has become the third country in the world to use a drill ship to drill deep ocean basin hard rock samples, and has established a coring operation system of the same level as international ocean drilling.

The China Meteorological Administration predicts that a strong cold air will affect Jiangnan and its northern areas from north to south at the end of September, with a local temperature drop of up to 10°C. At the same time, Jiangnan, South China and other places are still controlled by the subtropical high pressure, and there will be persistent high temperatures of 35°C and above in the next three days. There will be moderate to heavy rains and local heavy rains from West China to Jianghuai, so we need to be alert to secondary disasters.

According to the 2026 hanging sun forecast from the Central Meteorological Administration, the hanging sun phenomenon will occur on Minzu Road (west of Wenhua Road) in the West District of Chiayi City from September 29 to October 1 between 5 pm and 6 pm every day. The specific viewing time is the afternoon of September 29 From 5:11 to 5:31 pm, from 5:15 to 5:35 pm on September 30, and from 5:18 to 5:38 pm on October 1, the public is also reminded to pay attention to traffic safety and wear dark sunglasses to protect their eyesight.