Orchestra 
DIGITAL WORLD
BRICS+ Media Centre 
MODERN RUSSIAN 
New facility will prepare for the arrival of Martian material in 2031, focusing on contamination control and the safe analysis of samples collected from the Red Planet
-
![]()
buradaki / iStock [Photo source]
China is developing a specialised planetary protection laboratory to receive and analyse Martian samples expected to return to Earth in 2031, marking a major step in preparations for the country’s Mars exploration programme. This is reported by China Daily, a TV BRICS partner.
The facility, which will be located in Hefei, Anhui Province, is designed to handle extraterrestrial material under strict safety conditions and prevent contamination in both directions – protecting Earth’s environment from potential Martian biological risks while also ensuring that samples remain uncontaminated by terrestrial organisms.
Researchers say the laboratory will include systems for sample sterilisation, container opening, material processing and biological risk assessment. The goal is to allow scientists to study Martian soil and other collected materials while maintaining the highest standards of planetary protection.
The development is linked to China’s Tianwen-3 Mars sample return mission, which is scheduled for launch in 2028. The mission aims to collect Martian surface material and deliver it back to Earth in 2031, with one of its primary scientific objectives being the search for possible evidence of past life on Mars.
Scientists involved in the project said the sample-handling facility represents a complex engineering and scientific challenge, as no country has previously carried out an identical operation. The laboratory will follow internationally recognised planetary protection guidelines established by the Committee on Space Research.
The Mars mission is expected to use an integrated approach involving landing, sample collection and return operations. Engineers involved in the programme have said that key technologies required for the mission have already been developed and are undergoing further preparation.
The upcoming sample return mission also includes international scientific cooperation, with research instruments designed to support the detection of possible life indicators and the study of Mars’ atmosphere and surface environment.
The creation of the planetary protection laboratory highlights the growing importance of space science infrastructure as nations prepare for more advanced exploration missions and the return of extraterrestrial materials to Earth.
-
![]()
Technology07.08.26Brazil to develop new generation of AI robots for industrial equipment maintenance -
![]()
Technology07.08.26Belarusian scientists identify microorganism that could help break down plastic waste -
![]()
Technology06.08.26Dubai rises to second place in Intelligent Cities Index -
![]()
Technology05.08.26Iranian researchers unveil distributed AI breakthrough for next-generation autonomous systems -
![]()
Technology04.08.26Indonesia advances next-generation solar panel research to establish domestic production -
![]()
Technology03.08.26Chinese observatory identifies most powerful cosmic particle accelerator ever detected
-
![Sergey Lavrov]()
Sergey LavrovRussian Foreign Minister"A Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers has been adopted. It provides a clear and principled assessment of the situation on the international stage and outlines the tasks that will be addressed in accordance with previous decisions by heads of state and governments. No one doubts that additional documents on sectoral areas of cooperation will be developed ahead of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare and a number of other areas were also mentioned" -
![Nitin Gadkari]()
Nitin GadkariIndia's Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways"Our resolution has just been passed. It is very important as far as the BRICS countries are concerned, which cover 40 per cent of the world's population. We are committed to the futuristic development of the transport sector, to create cooperation, coordination and communication between the stakeholders. This resolution indicates a lot of new technology and innovation in the transport sector. It covers the road sector, railways, aviation and water transport" -
![Anutin Charnvirakul]()
Anutin CharnvirakulPrime Minister of Thailand"Russia has been a trusted friend of Thailand for over a century. […] Next year, we will mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We will commemorate this important milestone with high-level exchanges, thereby reaffirming our shared commitment to an even stronger partnership for the benefit of our peoples"
