Phobos-Grunt was a failed Russian sample-return mission to reach Mars's Moon Named "Phobos", launched in 2011 but unable to leave Earth orbit due to a failure to ignite its engines to depart for Mars.

The primary goal was to return approximately 200 grams of Martian moon soil to Earth for analysis, which would have provided crucial data on the origin of the moons and the solar system.

The spacecraft also carried the Chinese Mars orbiter Yinghuo-1 as a secondary payload. After failed attempts to reestablish communication, the spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere in January 2012.

Mission Objectives:

Sample Return:

To collect about 100-200 grams of soil from Phobos and bring it back to Earth for detailed analysis.

Scientific Analysis:

To study the returned sample to understand the composition of Phobos, its relationship to other solar system materials, and the history of the formation of the Martian moons.

In-Situ Study:

To conduct in-situ studies on Phobos' surface after landing.

Mission Details:

Launch:

November 9, 2011, from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan.

Payload:

A Russian Phobos Sample Return module and the Chinese Mars orbiter Yinghuo-1.

Failure:

The spacecraft's rockets did not fire to leave Earth orbit, preventing it from beginning its journey to Mars.

Re-entry:

After sporadic communication attempts, the spacecraft re-entered Earth's atmosphere in January 2012.

Significance and Context:

First Interplanetary Mission:

Phobos-Grunt was Russia's first interplanetary mission since 1996 and was intended to be its first successful mission to Mars.

Technological Advancement:

The mission aimed to develop new technologies for landing on low-gravity bodies, collecting samples, and returning deep-space samples to Earth.

International Cooperation:

The inclusion of the Chinese Yinghuo-1 orbiter highlighted an international effort to study the Martian system.