Propelled by a JAXA H3 launcher, the 4.5-ton probe separated from its rocket 71 minutes after liftoff, confirming its injection onto an interplanetary trajectory. LAM, proud to contribute to this international endeavor, will have its scientists and engineers actively involved in analyzing mission data, alongside JAXA, CNES, and international partners.
The origin of Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos, remains an enigma. The MMX mission will conduct two landings on Phobos to collect at least 10 grams of rocky material, a first for a Martian moon. These precious samples could shed light on the Solar System's history and foreshadow future Martian sample return missions.
A joint French-German rover, Idéfix, developed by CNES and DLR, will be deployed on Phobos to analyze the soil and prepare for sample collection. After its operations on Phobos, MMX will fly by Deimos before leaving Martian orbit in November 2030. The sample capsule is expected to land in the Australian desert in July 2031.
The probe will take approximately one year to reach Mars. In the meantime, scientific teams are refining observation strategies and preparing for data exploitation. The first detailed images of Phobos' surface are anticipated in the coming years, with sample return to Earth scheduled for 2031.
