Japan launches MMX probe to collect and return Phobos surface samples

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched its uncrewed Martian Moons eXploration spacecraft on October 20, 2026, at 4:41:03 JST. According to shattered.io, the mission lifted off aboard an H3 Launch Vehicle flight No.10 from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center. JAXA confirmed that the launch was successful. [1]

The primary objective of the spacecraft is to land on Phobos, the largest moon of Mars, and collect a minimum of 10 grams of material. According to shattered.io, JAXA describes the flight as the world's first sample return mission from the Martian sphere. The collected samples will eventually be brought back to Earth for analysis. [1][6]

In addition to collecting surface samples, the robotic probe will deploy a small rover onto the surface of Phobos. It will also conduct flyby observations of Deimos, the other Martian moon, and monitor the atmosphere of Mars. [6]

The scientific measurements aim to help researchers determine the origin of the Martian moons. Scientists hope to discover whether Phobos and Deimos are captured asteroids or fragments resulting from a massive collision with Mars. [6]