The Chinese Tianwen-1 mission landed in southern Utopia Planitia on 14 May 2021. HiRISE acquired this image on 6 June 2021. Clearly visible are what we interpret as the lander surrounded by a blast pattern, and the rover itself a bit to the south after it descended from the lander.

This image shows the surrounding terrain to be very typical of southern Utopia Planitia, with a smooth and mostly boulder-free region. The bright curving features are aeolian (windblown) landforms.

The lander’s parachute & backshell as well as its heat shield are also visible.

Written by: Alfred McEwen  (10 June 2021)


This is a stereo pair with ESP_069731_2055.