Japan launches MMX spacecraft to collect moon dust from Mars's moon Phobos
A spacecraft has launched from Japan to Mars's moon Phobos, where it will try to collect moon dust and bring it to Earth. The Japanese space agency-led MMX mission is due to reach Phobos in August 2027. The 10g sample is expected back in 2031.
A spacecraft has launched from Japan to Mars's moon Phobos, where it will try to collect moon dust and bring it to Earth. The Japanese space agency-led MMX mission is due to reach Phobos in August 2027. The 10g sample is expected back in 2031.
If successful, it would be the first sample returned from Mars or its moons, which scientists say could explain how Mars's moons formed.
The spacecraft is scheduled to arrive at Phobos in August 2027, with the sample capsule due back on Earth in 2031.
August 2027
MMX spacecraft scheduled to arrive at Phobos.
2031
Capsule with about 10g of moon dust due to return to Earth, landing in South Australia.
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