Nozomi (Japanese spacecraft)

Nozomi, also known as Planet-B, was a Japanese spacecraft launched in 1998 to study Mars and the broader solar system. Its main goal was to gather data on Mars's atmosphere, magnetic field, and surface environment, helping scientists understand the planet's history and conditions. Despite technical challenges and communication issues, Nozomi provided valuable insights into planetary science. The mission was ultimately incomplete but contributed to international research efforts, emphasizing Japan’s growing role in space exploration. Nozomi's journey highlighted the complexities of deep-space missions and the importance of perseverance in scientific discovery.