From the Guardian · Associated Press · · 1m 20s
Japan Launches World-First Mission to Collect Samples from Martian Moon
Japan's spacecraft aims to bring back samples from Phobos, one of Mars' moons, for clues about solar system origins.
In brief
Japan's spacecraft aims to bring back samples from Phobos, one of Mars' moons, for clues about solar system origins. Japan's MMX mission will collect soil samples from Phobos in 2031 to study the moon's formation and potential signs of past life on Mars. Originally reported by the Guardian.
Japan to launch world-first mission
Japan is launching a spacecraft on the world's first mission to bring back samples from Phobos, one of Mars' moons.
Mission aims to take five years
The mission, expected to take five years, will provide clues to how Phobos and Deimos formed and shed light on solar system origins.
Jaxa to launch on H3 rocket
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) aims to launch the spacecraft on Tuesday using a new Japanese H3 rocket.
Project manager explains importance
Yasuhiro Kawakatsu, the project manager, said samples from Phobos would provide useful data for future manned Mars missions.
Martian moons remain unexplored
Despite their potential importance, Martian moons have never been fully investigated, according to Kawakatsu.
Phobos and Deimos formation
Scientists believe Phobos and Deimos could be remnants of debris from a Mars collision or asteroids from elsewhere.
Mission timeline
After launching on the H3 rocket, the spacecraft will arrive at Mars in August 2027, fly near Phobos for three years, and return samples in 2031.
What it means
Japan's MMX mission will collect soil samples from Phobos in 2031 to study the moon's formation and potential signs of past life on Mars.
