Japan has set the launch date for the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission for October 20. This ambitious space mission is designed to study two of Mars' moons and bring samples from one of them back to Earth.
The uncrewed mission is being carried out by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with space agencies from the USA and Europe, as well as several universities and technology companies.
The collected data is expected to help clarify the origin of the Martian system, as well as issues related to the formation of the Solar System and the emergence of life on Earth.
Launch and Return Details
The launch will utilize the H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Decoupling is scheduled for 4:41 local time on October 20 (16:41 Brazilian time).
After completing its work in the Martian system, the return capsule is expected to deliver Phobos samples to Earth. Landing is anticipated in Australia in 2031.
Scientific Goals of the Mission
JAXA anticipates that the mission will help answer fundamental questions about the formation of Mars and its moons. Information obtained about Phobos and Deimos may help scientists understand how these bodies formed, thereby better understanding the origin of the Solar System.
Furthermore, the mission may investigate the possibility of using Phobos as a kind of 'natural space station'. According to JAXA, MMX will contribute to studying the potential for developing technologies for round-trip flights between Earth and Mars, which is critically important for future crewed missions to the Red Planet.
Thus, MMX has two main objectives: to obtain material directly from a Martian moon for analysis on Earth and to expand knowledge about the origin and evolution of the Martian system while testing concepts useful for future human missions to the planet.