Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring back samples from Mars’ moon phobos
Japan launches mission to return samples from Phobos
Poinews.com – Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring samples from Phobos, Mars’ larger and closer moon, back to Earth. The Japanese spacecraft has begun a five-year journey that could produce the first material ever returned from the Martian system.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched the mission before dawn on Tuesday from Tanegashima Island. About an hour later, officials confirmed that the spacecraft had separated from the rocket’s upper stage as planned, prompting celebrations among flight controllers.
Known as Martian Moon Exploration, or MMX, the $578 million project is supported by five space agencies. The spacecraft weighs about five tonnes and is expected to reach the Mars region by late next summer. If the mission succeeds, its return capsule will land in the Australian desert in 2031.
Why the Phobos mission matters
Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring back material from a destination no spacecraft has visited on the surface. While missions from NASA and China have landed on Mars, neither Phobos nor Mars’ other moon, Deimos, has been explored from the ground.
No samples have ever been returned from Mars or either of its moons. Japan brings relevant experience after completing two asteroid sample-return missions, although reaching and operating on Phobos presents a different set of challenges.
Phobos is an irregular, potato-shaped body roughly 22 kilometres across. Its low gravity and uneven terrain make landing difficult, but its composition may help scientists understand how Mars acquired its two moons.
Researchers are considering two main explanations: Phobos and Deimos may have formed after an ancient impact involving Mars, or they may be asteroids captured by the planet’s gravity. Material collected from Phobos could also include debris blasted off Mars, providing evidence from both worlds.
“There’s a lot of adrenaline and a lot of excitement and a lot of wow,” said NASA astrophysicist Tom Statler, who is involved in the project.
Idefix will scout the surface
Before the main spacecraft attempts to collect material, it is due to release Idefix, a French-German rover named after the white terrier from the Asterix comics. The four-wheeled vehicle is about the size of a microwave oven and will assess potential landing terrain.
Released into Phobos’ extremely weak gravity, Idefix is expected to bounce across the surface for several minutes before settling. It was designed to recover from an upside-down landing, though loose soil or rocks could still prevent it from working properly.
Once its solar panels have unfolded, the rover cannot turn itself over. Its planned speed is therefore remarkably slow: 1 millimetre per second, or 0.04 inches per second.
“All bets are off,” said Julien Baroukh of the French Space Agency, referring to the risk that the rover could sink into soft ground or become trapped between rocks.
For around 100 days, Idefix is expected to serve as a scout, helping controllers identify a safer location for the larger spacecraft to descend. Its observations could help the team avoid powdery ground and hazardous terrain.
A brief landing and return journey
Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring at least 10 grams, about one-third of an ounce, of Phobos material home. The MMX spacecraft is designed to land on four legs and remain on the surface for only about two hours during operations expected in late 2028 or 2029.
During that short stop, the spacecraft will drill and use a vacuum-style collection system. It will then leave Phobos, carry out a series of flybys of Deimos and depart the Martian region in 2030 for its journey to Earth.
The undertaking carries substantial risk. Russia has failed in three attempts to reach Phobos, and Japan’s previous Mars mission did not succeed in placing a spacecraft into orbit around the planet. Even so, Japan launches unprecedented mission to bring an unprecedented scientific prize back from Mars’ neighbourhood.
FAQ: Japan’s Phobos sample-return mission
When could the samples return to Earth?
If the mission proceeds as planned, the return capsule is expected to land in the Australian desert in 2031.
How much Phobos material will MMX collect?
The mission aims to collect at least 10 grams of dust, soil and rock from Phobos.
Why is the mission visiting Deimos too?
After leaving Phobos, MMX is scheduled to conduct flybys of Deimos, Mars’ other moon, before beginning its return journey.