Japan’s space agency is preparing to launch its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to collect samples from Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has scheduled the launch for October 20, 2026.
The spacecraft will lift off aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center. It is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 before beginning detailed observations of Phobos. The mission will examine the moon’s topography, internal structure, composition and gravity.
MMX aims to collect at least 10 grams of surface material from Phobos through two planned landing operations. The samples will be stored in a return capsule and brought back to Earth in 2031. The spacecraft will also observe Deimos, Mars’ smaller outer moon.
Scientists are investigating whether the two moons formed from debris following a major impact on Mars or are asteroids captured by the planet’s gravity. Analysing material collected directly from Phobos could help distinguish between these theories and improve understanding of the Martian system’s formation.
The mission will deploy Idefix, a rover developed through European collaboration, to investigate Phobos’ surface. NASA is contributing its MEGANE instrument, which will measure gamma rays and neutrons emitted from the moon to determine its elemental composition.
The mission builds on Japan’s experience with asteroid sample-return projects, including Hayabusa2. Its findings could offer new insights into planetary formation while advancing technologies for landing on celestial bodies and returning samples safely to Earth.
