TOKYO — Japan is set to launch a landmark space mission Tuesday aimed at becoming the first country to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons, and return them to Earth, according to state broadcaster NHK.
The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is scheduled to lift off aboard an H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.
The mission aims to achieve the world’s first landing on Phobos to collect surface samples and transport them back to Earth for scientific analysis.
JAXA has developed the spacecraft with three modules at a total cost of 55.3 billion yen (approximately $350 million).
The exploration module is equipped with sampling devices, scientific observation instruments and two ultra-high-definition cameras designed to capture detailed images of the Martian moon.
The spacecraft is expected to reach the vicinity of Mars approximately one year after launch, before spending three years conducting observations and exploration activities.
The mission’s return module is expected to deliver the collected samples to Earth during Japan’s fiscal year ending in March 2032.
Scientists hope the samples will provide new insights into the origins of Mars’ moons and the evolution of the Martian system.
Source: Saudi Gazette