NASA and JAXA launch mission to study Martian moons

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to launch the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission this coming Monday from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. NASA is providing significant support for this project, which aims to study the Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, and retrieve a sample from Phobos for return to Earth.

NASA’s contribution includes the Mars-moon Exploration with Gamma rays and Neutrons (MEGANE) spectrometer, specialized P-Sampler technology, funding, and critical communications and navigation support through its Deep Space Network. Nicky Fox, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, noted that the data gathered from this mission is vital for future scientific research, particularly as the agency prepares for potential human missions to Mars.

This collaborative effort seeks to determine the origin of Phobos and Deimos, providing insights that will benefit space exploration for future generations. The mission is currently in its final pre-launch phase, with all systems monitored by both agencies to ensure the successful commencement of the voyage to the Martian system.