One Turn
Japan launches mission to return samples from Mars moon Phobos
JAXA's H3 rocket launched the Martian Moons eXploration probe from Tanegashima Space Center, beginning a mission to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos. It would be the first attempt to land on a Martian moon, with samples due back on Earth in 2031.
Why it matters
Samples from Phobos could help scientists understand the origins of the solar system and of Mars's moons.
Background
Japan previously returned samples from asteroids with its Hayabusa missions. The origin of Phobos and Deimos, whether captured asteroids or debris from an impact, is debated.
The story so far
- NASA joins Japan's mission to unlock the mysteries of Mars' moons
- Japan to launch first mission to bring back samples from Mars moon
- Japan launches mission to bring back samples from Mars moon Phobos
- Japan launches mission to return samples from Mars moon Phobos
- NASA speeds up Moon lander plans for 2028
- Mars crew emerges after 378-day NASA simulation
- NASA ends year-long Mars simulation
- Mars mission crew emerges after year in isolation
Sources
- The Guardian ↗Oct 19, 7:37 PM ET
- CBC News ↗Oct 20, 8:42 AM ET
- Japan Times ↗Oct 19, 11:41 PM ET
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