World
Japan probe sets course for Mars moon
The MMX spacecraft is on its way to Mars' moon Phobos to collect surface samples that could help answer long-standing questions about the formation of the Solar System.
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Phobos
World
Japan launches historic mission to bring back Mars moon samples
Japan has launched a five-year uncrewed mission to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons.
World
Japan launches mission to explore Mars' moons and bring back samples
Japan launched a spacecraft on Tuesday on a five-year mission to explore Mars' mysterious moons, Phobos and Deimos, and bring back samples for the first time. The $578 million project aims to deliver dust, soil and rocks to Earth in 2031, potentially shedding light on how the moons formed and the origins of life.
Science
A giant crater may reveal the origin of Mars’ doomed moon
A massive crater on Mars’ moon Phobos may hide a dense region of compressed material that could reveal whether the moon is a captured asteroid or debris from an ancient impact on Mars. Japan’s upcoming MMX sample return mission could provide the measurements and physical evidence needed to solve the mystery.