What happened
Japan's space agency JAXA launched its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on October 20 from Tanegashima Space Center aboard an H3 rocket. JAXA confirmed the craft separated from the rocket's upper stage and is now on its interplanetary path toward Mars.
Mission goal
The $578 million mission's main objective is to collect material from Phobos and deliver it to Earth in 2031. No spacecraft has previously landed on either Martian moon and returned samples. Scientists hope the samples will reveal whether Phobos formed from debris after an impact on Mars or is a captured asteroid.
Timeline and landing plans
MMX is expected to reach Mars in 2027 and spend roughly three years studying the moons. A French-German rover named IDEFIX will be deployed to survey Phobos for about 100 days. The main spacecraft will attempt two touchdowns in late 2028 or 2029, with each operation requiring careful coordination because Phobos has extremely weak gravity.
Return journey
The spacecraft plans to leave the Martian system in November 2030, with its return capsule expected to reach Australia in 2031. The mission will also make several close flybys of the smaller moon Deimos. Japan built on its earlier asteroid sample-return experience, though Phobos presents different challenges due to its weak gravity and irregular surface.
