As terrestrial resources and energy become increasingly scarce and advancements in deep space exploration technology progress

numerous countries have initiated plans for deep space missions targeting celestial bodies such as the Moon

Mars

and asteroids. Securing a leading position in deep space exploration technology is critical

and ensuring the successful completion of these missions is of paramount importance. This paper reviews the timelines

objectives

and associated geotechnical and engineering challenges of recent deep space exploration missions from various countries. Extraterrestrial geotechnical materials exist in unique environments characterized by special gravity

temperature

radiation

and atmospheric conditions

and are subject to disturbances such as meteoroid impacts. These factors contribute to significant differences from terrestrial geotechnical materials. Based on a thorough literature review

this paper investigates the transformation of geomechanical properties of extraterrestrial geological materials due to the distinctive environmental conditions

referred to as the "four unique characteristics and one disturbance"

and their distinct formation processes. Considering current deep space mission plans

the paper summarizes the geotechnical challenges and research advancements addressing specific mission requirements. These include unmanned exploration and in-situ mechanical testing

construction of extreme environment test platforms

the mechanical properties of geotechnical materials under extreme conditions

the interaction between engineering equipment and geotechnical materials

and the in-situ utilization of extraterrestrial geotechnical resources. The goal is to support the successful execution of China’s deep space exploration missions and to promote the development of geomechanics towards extraterrestrial geomechanics.