From Seattletimes · · 1m 20s
Japanese Spacecraft Targets Martian Moon
JAXA's MMX mission aims to collect rock samples from Phobos for Earth study.
In brief
JAXA's MMX mission aims to collect rock samples from Phobos for Earth study. Japanese spacecraft MMX will land on Phobos in 2029 to collect 10 grams of rock for Earth analysis. Originally reported by Seattletimes.
Japanese Spacecraft Launches
A Japanese spacecraft launched on Monday en route to Mars.
Mission Targets Phobos
JAXA aims to land on Phobos, pick up rock and dirt, then drop samples on Earth.
Project Manager Statement
Yasuhiro Kawakatsu called Phobos the most important unexplored body in the solar system.
Mission Goals
The mission seeks to answer how Phobos and Deimos formed and ended up around Mars.
Mission Cost and Partners
JAXA developed MMX for $350 million with NASA contributing $87 million over 14 years.
Launch Details
MMX launched at 3:41 p.m. Eastern time on Monday from Tanegashima Island, Japan.
Phobos Landing Timeline
MMX will reach Mars in 2027, land on Phobos in late 2028 or early 2029.
Rover Deployment
The Idefix rover will drop from 130 feet to explore Phobos for 100 days.
Sample Collection
MMX will collect 10 grams of Phobos material in 2030 for Earth analysis.
Sample Return
MMX will drop samples in Australia after 2031 orbit to study Martian moon origins.
In short
Japanese spacecraft MMX will land on Phobos in 2029 to collect 10 grams of rock for Earth analysis.
