China’s Tianwen‑2 Probe Nears Asteroid Kamo’oalewa

Kamo’oalewa, a quasi‑satellite orbiting near Earth, has long puzzled scientists about its origin. China’s Tianwen‑2 mission performed its first close flyby, capturing high‑resolution images of the asteroid’s surface.

The probe will also conduct detailed surveys and collect material to return to Earth. Researchers hope the data will clarify whether the body is a lunar fragment or a captured main‑belt asteroid.