Japan aims to collect first Martian moon samples

Japan launched a first-of-its-kind mission yesterday afternoon to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons, in hopes of solving a mystery about the red planet's past.

The five-year Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission aims to become the first to venture onto Phobos—as well as the first to bring back samples from the red planet or one of its moons.

Harvesting a “space potato”

Scientists have long debated the origins of Phobos and its smaller sibling Deimos, two oddly shaped moons dubbed "space potatoes” by NASA researchers.

There are two leading theories:

1. The moons were asteroids that became trapped in Mars' gravitational pull.
2. They formed from debris left behind by an ancient collision involving Mars.

Scientists hope Phobos' composition will settle the debate over the moons' origins and reveal clues about Mars' history.

Looking ahead…MMX is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and spend three years studying its moons, before returning to Earth with 10+ grams of material from Phobos in 2031.