China's Tianwen-1 Mars mission takes off to answer 'question about heavens'

Eight spacecraft - American, European and Indian - are either orbiting Mars or on its surface with other missions underway or planned

China successfully launched its first Mars probe, Tianwen-1, on Thursday from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in the southern island province of Hainan.

The probe includes an orbiter and a rover and it is expected to reach Mars in February to explore the planet for 90 days, according to China National Space Administration (CNSA).  

Tianwen-1 will join eight spacecraft - American, European and Indian - either orbiting Mars or on its surface with other missions underway or planned.

Tianwen 1, or Quest for Heavenly Truth 1, will fulfill three scientific objectives: orbiting the red planet for comprehensive observation, landing on Martian