First Image of Earth’s Quasi‑Moon Captured

China’s Tianwen‑2 spacecraft has reached the tiny asteroid officially known as 469219 Kamo’oalewa after a 13‑month trek through deep space. The probe approached to within roughly 20 kilometres and transmitted a clear photograph of the object, marking the first close‑up view of a body that is often called a quasi‑moon.

Kamo’oalewa, discovered in 2016 and also referred to as 2016 HO3, follows an orbit around the Sun that keeps it near Earth for long periods. Although it does not orbit the planet directly, its trajectory makes it appear to circle Earth, a behavior that earned it the “quasi‑satellite” label. Its name comes from the Hawaiian chant Kumulipo, with Kamo’oalewa meaning “oscillating,” a reference to its back‑and‑forth motion in the sky.

The image was released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) in early July, with the spacecraft reported to be about 20 km from the asteroid at the time. Scientists highlighted the asteroid’s modest diameter—estimated between 40 and 100 metres—as ideal for detailed study. The mission’s scientific goals include determining the rock’s shape, material composition, and internal structure, information that will help evaluate future sample‑return plans.

Tianwen‑2’s broader objective is to retrieve roughly 100 grams of surface material and bring it back to Earth by November 2027. After departing Kamo’oalewa in April 2027, the spacecraft will conduct a gravity‑assist maneuver that will send it toward comet 311P/PANSTARRS, with an expected encounter in January 2035. This multi‑target plan demonstrates how quasi‑moons can serve as stepping stones for deeper solar‑system missions.

Experts note that Earth’s known quasi‑moons—seven confirmed objects—offer distinct advantages for exploration. Their proximity reduces travel time and fuel costs, and their small size makes them easier to approach and potentially redirect compared to larger asteroids. The discovery of another quasi‑moon in 2025, designated 2025 PN7, underscores that additional objects may be discovered, expanding opportunities for scientific research and planetary defense.

China’s mission reflects a growing international interest in these near‑Earth objects. By combining high‑resolution imaging with planned sample return, Tianwen‑2 provides a valuable data set that will deepen our understanding of the composition of near‑Earth space and support future endeavors to study and protect our planetary environment.

Overall, the successful capture of Kamo’oalewa’s image marks a milestone for Chinese deep‑space capabilities and highlights the strategic role that quasi‑moons can play in the next era of space exploration.