NHK Super Hi-Vision Cameras go up into Space with Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)

MMX is an exploration mission that aims to uncover the  origins of the Martian moons and shed light on how the  Mars system formed and evolved. The spacecraft will  conduct scientific observations of Mars and its two  moons, Phobos and Deimos, and attempt to collect  surface material from Phobos and return it to Earth. NHK will use ultra-high definition 8K and 4K images to  document the MMX mission, including views from the  spacecraft as it travels toward the Mars system, its  approach to the planet, and its descent to and landing  on Phobos.  

NHK President comments on the success of the launch: 'We are delighted that this mission, many years in  the making, has successfully taken its first step, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to  everyone involved. The cameras we have developed have now begun their long journey to the Mars system.  We hope people will look forward to seeing the images of Mars and Phobos captured by the cameras. NHK  will continue to work closely with JAXA to turn the 8K and 4K images sent back from the Mars system into  video footage and share it widely with audiences'.

NHK and JAXA aim to capture Mars and its moons at close range in 8K and 4K. By combining the images  with actual flight data and other information, they plan to create vivid, immersive footage of the MMX  mission. 

For this mission, the spacecraft is equipped with two of Super Hi-Vision cameras: an 8K camera facing  forward and a 4K camera facing sideways. Both are designed to withstand the vibrations and shocks of  launch and the harsh conditions of space, and have passed environmental testing in accordance with JAXA  standards. The 8K camera will mainly capture high-resolution images of Mars and its moons, as well as the  spacecraft’s landing on Phobos. The 4K camera will primarily record the landing and capture images of  Phobos’s surface after touchdown. 

The current imaging schedule is as follows: 
Fiscal 2026–2027 (Planned) | Journey to Mars 
The cameras will capture their first 8K and 4K images, including views of stars from space.

 Fiscal 2027–2030 (Planned) | Mars and its moons 
The cameras will record Mars, Phobos, and Deimos, as well as the spacecraft’s descent to and landing on  Phobos, its surface operations, and its ascent. 

Fiscal 2030 (Planned) | Departure from Mars 
The cameras will record the separation of the exploration module and views of Mars receding into the  distance. 

Fiscal 2031 (Planned) | Return to Earth 
The cameras will capture Earth drawing closer and the release of the sample-return capsule. 

 

LC