China plans to complete new-generation geological map of Mars by 2028

China plans to complete a new-generation geological map of Mars by the end of 2028, according to Hou Zengqian, chief scientist of the Tianwen-3 mission, who's an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The new map will propose a Chinese approach to the geological timescale of Mars and seek to promote the geological chronology standard independently developed by China as a globally recognized framework, Hou said.

The map will incorporate the latest scientific findings from China's exploration of Mars. Data from the Zhurong rover indicate that an intercontinental-scale ancient ocean may have existed on Mars about 3.5 billion years ago, while a short-lived flooding event may have occurred around 1.6 billion years ago.

The new-generation geological map of Mars will also include 1:50,000-scale geological maps of landing sites, to be compiled on a corresponding schedule, as well as a series of specialized map collections.

These achievements will serve as a key outcome of the scientific preparation for the Tianwen-3 mission. The results will be released as the world's first intelligent geological map of Mars, according to reports.

The project is also expected to provide a research paradigm and implementation template for future geological mapping missions involving the moon, Venus and asteroids.