JAXA completes MMX solar-array deployment and initial commissioning

(SpaceEnergy) Japan's JAXA has completed initial critical operations on its Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft, confirming solar-array deployment and spacecraft stabilisation, while battery manufacturer GS Yuasa disclosed its onboard lithium-ion energy-storage hardware.

JAXA confirmed on 21 October that MMX had successfully completed the critical sequences required to establish spacecraft health following its launch from Tanegashima Space Center on 20 October.

The completed operations included deployment of the spacecraft's solar-array paddles, establishment of three-axis attitude control and release of the medium-gain antenna's launch restraints.

The agency declared the initial critical operations phase complete and will proceed with functional checks of onboard equipment before preparing for the outbound cruise to Mars.

Separately, GS Yuasa Technology confirmed on 21 October that its space-qualified lithium-ion batteries had been installed aboard MMX.

The Japanese manufacturer said the batteries will supply electricity when sunlight is unavailable.

Mitsubishi Electric selected the batteries and is responsible for spacecraft system design, manufacture and technical support through the mission's planned return to Earth.

GS Yuasa said its space batteries have been installed aboard more than 260 spacecraft since their first orbital demonstrations in the early 2000s.

MMX is scheduled to reach Mars in 2027, conduct observations and sample collection near Phobos, and return samples to Earth in Japan's 2031 financial year.

Neither JAXA nor GS Yuasa disclosed measured solar-array output, battery capacity or completed energy-storage performance validation during the initial commissioning phase.