It accompanies Earth, but it is not a moon: Chinese probe reaches Kamo’oalewa and begins an unprecedented mission to investigate where the strange asteroid came from, what its internal structure is like, and whether its origin is linked to an ancient collision that launched fragments of the lunar surface into space.

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 22/06/2026 at 08:51

Updated 22/06/2026 at 08:52

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Mission launched by China in May 2025 would have reached the asteroid in June 2026 and is now preparing an unprecedented operation to collect 100 grams of material, analyze the structure of the object, and clarify its possible connection with the Moon

The Chinese probe Tianwen-2 would have reached the asteroid 469219 Kamo’oalewa, one of the so-called “quasi-moons” that accompany the Earth around the Sun.

Now, the mission enters a decisive stage. The spacecraft should map the surface, choose a safe point, and attempt to collect samples from the space object.

According to information released by Live Science, the approach would have occurred on June 7, 2026. However, the China National Space Administration has not yet officially confirmed the detailed schedule.

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Kamo’oalewa accompanies the Earth, but is not a moon

Discovered in 2016, Kamo’oalewa does not orbit directly around the Earth, as the Moon does.

In practice, the object orbits the Sun in a trajectory very similar to Earth’s. Therefore, it seems to accompany the planet during its journey through the Solar System.

Consequently, astronomers classify Kamo’oalewa as a quasi-satellite of Earth.

China launched Tianwen-2 in May 2025. Since then, the spacecraft has headed towards the asteroid to start a sample collection and return mission.

If the operation achieves the expected result, the probe should collect approximately 100 grams of material. Subsequently, the mission intends to bring the cargo back to Earth in November 2027.

Possible lunar origin intrigues researchers

Besides the collection, the mission aims to answer one of the main questions about Kamo’oalewa: could the asteroid have broken off from the Moon?

In 2021, observations showed that the object reflects light in a manner similar to rocks found on the lunar surface.

Thus, the hypothesis gained strength that a collision on the Moon may have launched Kamo’oalewa into space.

Subsequently, in 2024, researchers pointed to the Giordano Bruno crater, located on the far side of the Moon, as a possible point of origin.

However, scientists have not yet proven this connection. Therefore, only direct analysis of the samples can offer more conclusive answers.

According to Li Chunlai, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, experts still do not know the composition and origin of the asteroid.

For him, the team will only find definitive answers after completing the exploration and analyzing the collected material.

Tianwen-2 may perform unprecedented drilling on the asteroid

Before landing, Tianwen-2 should remain close to Kamo’oalewa to map its surface.

This way, those responsible for the mission can evaluate the terrain and choose an area with lower risks for the spacecraft.

If the surface presents loose material, a robotic arm may collect the samples. Other space missions have already used this method.

On the other hand, if the terrain is more rigid, the probe may land, attach itself to the asteroid, and drill the rock.

This approach would represent an unprecedented operation on this type of celestial body, especially due to the small size and low gravity of Kamo’oalewa.

Mission may reveal structure and composition of Kamo’oalewa

Besides investigating its possible lunar origin, the mission may show how the asteroid is organized internally and what materials form its surface.

According to Marco Fenucci, a researcher associated with the European Space Agency, the debate about the origin of Kamo’oalewa remains open.

Therefore, the analysis of the samples may confirm or weaken the hypothesis that the object originated from a fragment torn from the Moon.

At the same time, the results may expand knowledge about near-Earth asteroids and the formation of the Solar System.

Finally, the information obtained by Tianwen-2 may also contribute to future studies on asteroid observation and planetary defense.

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