first mission to moon of Mars
Japan has launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe, aiming to retrieve samples from Phobos, a moon of Mars. The mission seeks to understand the origins of the Solar System and the potential for life on terrestrial planets.
Why it matters
Successful sample retrieval could provide critical data on planetary formation and support future human exploration of Mars.
Japanese scientists launched a spacecraft that aims to be the first to retrieve samples from one of Mars's moons, potentially helping to unlock the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth.
The flagship H3 rocket carrying the unmanned Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4.41am Tuesday (7.41pm GMT Monday), according to a live stream broadcast by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
If successful, the spacecraft will arrive near Mars around August next year, where it will orbit one of its moons, Phobos.
It will later land on Phobos and collect at least 10 grams of material from the surface during its planned three years in the Red Planet's vicinity.
Headlinne story · 7 newsrooms
Japan Launches Historic Spacecraft on Journey to Mars Moons
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