From BBC News · · 1m 10s
Japan's MMX Mission Targets Phobos for Mars Sample
Japan's MMX mission aims to collect Phobos dust for Mars moon analysis.
In brief
Japan's MMX mission aims to collect Phobos dust for Mars moon analysis. Japan's MMX mission will return 10g of Phobos dust to Earth in 2031 to solve how Mars' moons formed. Originally reported by BBC News.
Japan's MMX mission launches
Japan's MMX spacecraft will blast off from Tanegashima Space Center on 20 October at 04:41 local time to study Mars' moon Phobos.
Phobos sample return timeline
The MMX mission aims to return 10g of Phobos dust to Earth in 2031 after landing on Phobos in August 2027.
Phobos moon facts
Phobos is 20km (12 miles) across and Deimos is 10km (six miles) across, both irregularly shaped like space potatoes.
Phobos gravity challenge
Phobos has low gravity, making rover landings difficult due to Mars' strong gravitational pull.
Sample analysis goals
The mission will analyze Phobos dust to determine if Mars' moons formed from a space rock impact or captured asteroids.
Mars moon formation theories
Either Phobos and Deimos came from a Mars-impacting space rock or they are asteroids captured by Mars' gravity.
Mars meteorite context
Martian meteorites are rare and contaminated, unlike the pristine Phobos sample to be returned.
What to remember
Japan's MMX mission will return 10g of Phobos dust to Earth in 2031 to solve how Mars' moons formed.
