Japan launches Martian Moons eXploration mission to Phobos

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Island. The $578 million mission aims to land a robotic prospector and a small rover, named Idefix, on Phobos, one of Mars’ two moons.

Upon reaching Mars in 2027, the mission will attempt to collect approximately 10 grams of dust, soil, and rock from the potato-shaped moon. If successful, these samples are scheduled to return to Earth in 2031. This mission represents a significant scientific endeavor, as no agency has yet successfully retrieved samples from Mars or its moons.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is providing support through its veteran Mars Express probe, which has been orbiting Mars since 2003. Following a mission extension, Mars Express is expected to assist with joint observations and imaging of the landing site during the MMX arrival period.