Tianwen-1 launched in July 2020 during a narrow interplanetary window that also saw NASA's Perseverance and the UAE's Hope probe depart within days of each other — the result of orbital mechanics, not coincidence. China's mission was the first by any nation to achieve orbiting, landing, and roving operations on Mars in a single mission on the first attempt. The rover, Zhurong, touched down on Utopia Planitia in May 2021, and this coin was issued that same year to mark the achievement while the mission was still active.
Tianwen-1 launched in July 2020 during a narrow interplanetary window that also saw NASA's Perseverance and the UAE's Hope probe depart within days of each other — the result of orbital mechanics, not coincidence. China's mission was the first by any nation to achieve orbiting, landing, and roving operations on Mars in a single mission on the first attempt. The rover, Zhurong, touched down on Utopia Planitia in May 2021, and this coin was issued that same year to mark the achievement while the mission was still active.