Japan unveils Mars moon sample-return spacecraft ahead of Oct. 19 launch (photos)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has showcased the MMX spacecraft, designed for a groundbreaking mission slated for October 19th. This ambitious endeavor aims to retrieve samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons. The MMX spacecraft represents JAXA's first attempt at returning extraterrestrial material to our planet. Scientists anticipate that these Martian lunar samples will provide invaluable insights into the formation of both Mars and our solar system. Following its launch, the spacecraft is expected to spend approximately five years traveling to Phobos before initiating sample collection.