Veteran ESA probe rolls out welcome mat for Japan's Phobos mission

Japan's mission to the Martian moon Phobos launched this week, with a veteran European probe expected to be waiting when it arrives.

JAXA, Japan's space agency, confirmed that the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft launched aboard an H3 rocket on October 19 at 19:41 UTC – October 20 in Japan. On October 21, it said that initial critical operations, including solar array deployment, were complete. Equipment checks will follow as the spacecraft prepares for its outbound cruise.

The probe is due to reach Mars in 2027, deploy the Idefix rover on Phobos, and attempt one or two landings on the moon itself. The rover is named after the dog from the Asterix comics. Scientists plan to collect about 10 g of material from Phobos and send it to Earth, with a return planned for 2031.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is supporting the trip with Mars Express (MEX), which has orbited Mars since 2003. …