The China National Space Administration released a list in January of 10 selections for the name of China's first Mars rover following a global naming campaign that began in late July 2020.
have now been selected three of them, after domestic and foreign Internet users were invited to vote for 10 candidates from January 20 to February 28. Are the following.
The three selected
China launched Tianwen-1 on July 23, 2020. The spacecraft, which consists of an orbiter, a lander and a rover, entered the Mars parking orbit after performing an orbital maneuver on February 24. The rover is expected to descend to the Martian surface in May or June.
In order of votes, from highest to lowest, these were the finalists:
- Zhurong: is a god of fire in ancient Chinese mythology. He lived in a palace on Mount Kunlun and taught humanity how to use the fire that Suiren had created.
- Nezha: a beloved Chinese mythological figure.
- Hongyi: means having a broad and strong mind in Chinese.
Zhurong riding two dragons, depicted in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, 1597 edition
The statue of Nezha
Starting Tuesday, a panel of experts will also vote on the final candidates. The administration will decide the top three names based on public voting and expert opinions.
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The news
These three possible names have been chosen for China's first Mars rover after a global survey
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.