Japan will send a probe to a moon of Mars to investigate the origins of the Solar System
Japan's JAXA is preparing to launch the Martian Moons eXploration probe to study Phobos and Deimos, with the goal of returning samples to Earth by 2031. The mission aims to uncover the origins of the Solar System and support future crewed missions to Mars.
Why it matters
This mission represents a significant advancement in space exploration and international competition for scientific discovery in the solar system.
Japan plans to launch the Martian Moons eXploration probe to study the moons of Mars, particularly Phobos. The mission is intended to collect samples and return them to Earth in 2031.
Japan plans to launch the Martian Moons eXploration space probe to study the moons of Mars, particularly Phobos, in the coming months. JAXA reports this, according to UNN .
The launch will take place from the Tanegashima Space Center. The probe will spend about three years near Mars and is expected to land on Phobos to collect at least 10 grams of material from its surface.
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