Unveiling the Deep Roots Between TAG Heuer and Space Exploration

　　The global call for names and graphic logos for the Mars exploration programme officially commenced on 2016 8 23, alongside the long-awaited unveiling of the exterior design of China's first Mars rover. Mr Jean-Claude Biver, President of the LVMH Watch Division and CEO of TAG Heuer, attended the press conference.TAG Heuerproudly becoming a partner of this event, demonstrating its wholehearted support for China's aerospace industry and the Mars exploration programme.

　　China is set to launch a Mars probe around 2020 to undertake its maiden Mars exploration. Mars exploration will become another major space exploration project for China following the manned space programme and lunar exploration programme. China's first Mars exploration will achieve "orbiting, landing, and roving" all in one go, a feat unprecedented in the initial Mars missions of the United States and Russia. China holds unprecedented ambition for its first Mars exploration scheduled for 2020. It aims not only to explore the topography, soil, environment, and atmosphere of Mars but also to investigate the distribution of water ice, physical fields, and internal structure on the planet.

　　TAG Heuer's Connection with Space

　　As the first Swiss watch brand to enter space, TAG Heuer accompanied US astronaut John Glenn aboard the "Friendship 7" spacecraft as it successfully launched and orbited the Earth three full times on 1962 2 20. At this historic moment, the timepiece worn on John Glenn's wrist was none other than the 2915A chronograph from TAG Heuer.

　　In 2012 5, TAG Heuer visited the International Space Station with SpaceX, validating the reliability and accuracy of its in-house Calibre 1887 movement under extreme conditions.

　　On 2016 7 12, TAG Heuer officially became a partner of the Swiss Space Systems (commonly known as S3) Zero-G flight programme, boarding an Airbus with an exclusive "boarding pass" identity to experience an extraordinary journey with the public.

　　Regarding this support for China's Mars exploration programme, Mr Jean-Claude Biver, President of the LVMH Watch Division and CEO of TAG Heuer, stated: "Mars exploration is one of the most magnificent goals in humanity's endeavour to conquer space.

　　TAG Heuer's support for this event is a wholehearted backing of humanity's grand space dreams. May the ever-breaking boundaries of TAG Heuer and the fearless challenges of China's aerospace professionals join hands to pass on this spirit of challenge, as we look forward to the complete success of China's first Mars exploration."