Japan launches $578m spacecraft on five-year mission to Mars' moons
The uncrewed probe will explore Phobos and Deimos and return samples to Earth for the first time, arriving back in 2031.
Japan has launched a $578 million spacecraft on a five-year mission to explore the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, with the goal of returning samples to Earth for the first time in history.
The uncrewed craft lifted off on Tuesday, beginning a journey that scientists hope will yield dust, soil and rock from the Martian moons. The collected material is expected to reach Earth in 2031, offering researchers an unprecedented opportunity to study its composition in detail.
Scientists believe the samples could shed light on how Phobos and Deimos formed, questions that remain largely unanswered. The mission may also provide clues about the broader origins of life, given the moons' proximity to Mars and their poorly understood geological history.
The project marks a significant milestone for Japan's space programme, extending its proven capability in sample-return missions to one of the most ambitious targets yet attempted.
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