Excitement in China as Tianwen-1 reaches Mars orbit

Cui Tingting dyed her hair Mars red for arrival of China’s craft at planet kwn in Chinese as Fire Star. “This is a great era for , and future of mankind lies in exploration of outer ,” said Cui, director of China Mars Society, local chapter of a global vocacy network.

She hosted an online party Wednesday night to wait for anuncement that Tianwen-1 craft, launched last July, h reached Mars orbit. Video from participants across China showed a replica of Tianwen-1's robot rover in home of one society member. Ar wore a homeme suit.

"Earth is our mor planet ... but for me, Mars is same," Cui said.

China is falling in love with , inspired by ruling Communist Party's increasingly ambitious plans over past two deces to launch humans into orbit and explore moon and Mars. expanding program coincides with President Xi Jinping's campaign to promote an im of China returning to its former glory as a world leer.

Xi's government is trying to nurture public enthusiasm with a five-year "Scientific Literacy Action Plan." It includes a promise of support for developing Chinese science fiction. Cui is alrey planning ar party in May when Tianwen-1’s robot lander is due to touch down.