JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration Mission is on its Way to Mars and Phobos

JAXA launched its MMX sample return mission to Phobos on October 20th. It was sent on its way in an H3 launch vehicle, Japan's next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. It will reach Mars in August 2027, and after several years will return a sample from Phobos to Earth. Image Credit: JAXA.

JAXA successfully launched its Martian Moon eXplorer on its way to Mars and Phobos. It'll reach Mars in about six months, and will orbit the planet for about a month before transferring to an orbit around Phobos. It will deploy a small lander, which will help select a sample-gathering location for the main part of the mission. By 2031, the regolith sample from Phobos should be back on Earth.

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