Newslish
ArchiveLesson #215Science

Japan Launches Mission to Mars's Moon Phobos

Japan has launched a spacecraft to collect rocks from Phobos, a moon of Mars. This mission aims to learn about the origins of the solar system and life on Earth.

Free · No ads

Pick your level

Standard version (B1-B2)

Standard: natural English

Japan has successfully a spacecraft called MMX to samples from Phobos, one of Mars's moons. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) says the spacecraft will reach Mars in August next year. Scientists hope to learn about the of the solar system and life on Earth. The spacecraft will at least 10 grams of soil and rock from Phobos. It is scheduled to return to Earth in 2031. This is important because it is the first attempt to samples from Phobos. Scientists want to understand how Phobos was formed and its role in the solar system.

Lesson audio

Standard level

Tap to play

Narration includes the headline and summary.

Adapted from The Guardian, 20 October 2026, and rewritten at three levels by Newslish. Newslish is not affiliated with the source. Read the original.

Key vocabulary

  • surface noun

    The outer layer or top part of something.

    “The surface of the water was calm and clear.”

  • collect verb

    To gather or bring together items or information.

    “I like to collect stamps from different countries.”

  • launch verb

    To send something into the air or space.

    “They plan to launch a new satellite next month.”

  • mission noun

    A specific task or job to be done.

    “The mission was to explore the distant planet.”

  • origin noun

    The point or place where something begins.

    “The origin of the river is in the mountains.”

Quick quiz

01What is the main idea of the article?

02What does the word 'surface' mean in the text?

03What will the spacecraft collect from Phobos?

04When is the spacecraft expected to return to Earth?

Answered 0 of 4

Discussion

What do you think about the mission to collect samples from Phobos? In your answer, use the words 'surface' and 'collect'.