Japan launches a sample mission toward Phobos

Japan has launched the Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft. The launch was on an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center. The target is the moon Phobos. The agency is JAXA.

The mission is to collect at least 10 grams of surface material. The samples are to return to Earth in 2031. Phobos is the body named for the collection. The return year is 2031.

Tanegashima is the launch site. The rocket is the H3. The spacecraft name is Martian Moons eXploration. The operator is the Japanese space agency.

The mass goal is at least 10 grams. That figure is a minimum collection target. The destination of the samples after collection is Earth. The year given for the return is 2031.

The launch is the event that has happened. The sample return remains a stated plan for 2031. The report presents both the launch and the mission design. The design includes Phobos and a sample of at least 10 grams.

The recorded technology event is the launch. The vehicle is an H3 from Tanegashima. The target is Phobos. The sample plan is at least 10 grams back on Earth in 2031.