Martian Moons eXploration
Planned sample-return mission by Japan to Phobos / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) is a robotic space probe set for launch in 2026 to bring back the first samples from Mars' largest moon Phobos.[3][5] Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and announced on 9 June 2015, MMX will land and collect samples from Phobos once or twice, along with conducting Deimos flyby observations and monitoring Mars's climate.[6]
Names | MMX |
---|---|
Mission type | Sample-return mission |
Operator | JAXA |
Website | www |
Mission duration | 5 years (planned) |
Spacecraft properties | |
Manufacturer | JAXA[1] |
Launch mass | Propulsion module: 1800 kg Exploration module: 150 kg Return module: 1050 kg[2] MMX Rover: 30 kg |
Start of mission | |
Launch date | 2026 (planned)[3] |
Rocket | H3 |
Launch site | Tanegashima, LA-Y |
Contractor | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
Phobos lander | |
Landing date | 2027 (planned)[3] |
Return launch | 2031 (planned)[3] |
Sample mass | ≥10 g (0.35 oz)[4] |
Instruments | |
TElescopic Nadir imager for GeOmOrphology (TENGOO) Optical RadiOmeter composed of CHromatic Imagers (OROCHI) Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) MMX InfraRed Spectrometer (MIRS) Mars-moon Exploration with GAmma rays and NEutrons (MEGANE) Circum-Martian Dust Monitor (CMDM) Mass Spectrum Analyzer (MSA) | |
The mission aims to provide key information to help determine whether the Martian moons are captured asteroids or the result of a larger body hitting Mars. JAXA and other Japanese government officials officially approved the MMX project to proceed into development on 19 February 2020, according to a post on JAXA's website.[1]