90 minutes on the clock! Discussing the MMX sampling device with JAXA robotic specialist, Hiroki Kato
“The mission is to collect a sample of at least 10 grams of sample from a depth of more than 2 cm within 90 minutes after landing on the Martian moon Phobos.” Dr Hiroki Kato of JAXA started working on the development of a sampling device around 2015 to meet this difficult task. He is now focusing hard in order to "make this happen" in preparation the launch in FY2024. In this interview, Kato tells us why it is necessary to collect samples in 90 minutes, what kind of methods are used for sample collection, the difficulties that exist, and the kind of future is in sight.