From RFI · · 1m 50s
Japan launches Mars moon sample mission
JAXA's MMX probe will investigate Phobos and Deimos with French and German help, returning material to Earth in 2031.
In brief
JAXA's MMX probe will investigate Phobos and Deimos with French and German help, returning material to Earth in 2031. Japan launched the MMX spacecraft to Mars's two moons on Tuesday to collect samples and determine their origins, with results expected in 2031. Originally reported by RFI.
Japan launches to Mars's moons
JAXA successfully launched the Martian Moons eXploration mission from Tanegashima Space Centre on Tuesday aboard an H3 rocket.
A narrow launch window closes
JAXA had allowed for further launch attempts until nine November if necessary. Missing this opportunity means waiting roughly another two years.
The mission timeline unfolds
The spacecraft is expected to reach the Martian system in two thousand twenty-seven and spend around three years investigating Phobos and Deimos before returning samples in two thousand thirty-one.
European partners contribute technology
France and Germany are contributing a small rover, while a French-built infrared instrument will examine the moons' surfaces and identify suitable landing sites.
Two competing theories about origins
Phobos and Deimos could be asteroids captured by Mars's gravity, or they may have formed from debris thrown into space by a massive collision involving the planet.
Japan's proven sample-return expertise
Hayabusa returned particles from asteroid Itokawa in two thousand ten. Hayabusa two delivered samples from asteroid Ryugu to Earth in two thousand twenty.
The Idefix rover scouts first
Developed by France's CNES and Germany's DLR, the four-wheeled Idefix rover will land on Phobos ahead of the main spacecraft, expected to cover perhaps one hundred metres over around one hundred days.
Samples return to Earth in 2031
MMX plans two sampling landings targeting different locations to collect at least ten grams of regolith. Samples will reach Earth in two thousand thirty-one inside a protective capsule destined for landing in Australia.
The main idea
Japan launched the MMX spacecraft to Mars's two moons on Tuesday to collect samples and determine their origins, with results expected in 2031.
