Japan has launched a landmark space mission aimed at collecting material from one of Mars’ moons and bringing it back to Earth for scientific analysis. The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), lifted off aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on October 20, 2026. The spacecraft successfully separated from the rocket and entered its planned trajectory.
The five-year mission will focus on Phobos, the larger of Mars’ two moons. Scientists hope the samples will help answer questions about how the moons formed, how the Martian system evolved and what the findings could reveal about the early Solar System.
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A Historic Attempt to Collect Samples From Phobos
Phobos is an irregularly shaped moon that orbits Mars at a distance of approximately 6,000 kilometres from the planet’s surface. Despite decades of Mars exploration, no spacecraft has yet returned samples from either of its moons.
JAXA aims to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos and bring it back to Earth in 2031. Researchers will then be able to study the material using advanced laboratory instruments unavailable on the spacecraft itself.
Uncovering the Origins of Mars’ Moons
One of the mission’s main scientific goals is to determine how Phobos and Deimos, Mars’ smaller moon, came into existence.
Scientists are considering two leading explanations: the moons may be asteroids captured by Mars’ gravity, or they may have formed from debris created by a major impact on the planet.
Analysing Phobos’ composition could help researchers distinguish between these possibilities. The findings may also offer clues about how planets and smaller celestial bodies formed billions of years ago.
The MMX spacecraft is expected to reach the Martian system in August 2027. It will then conduct detailed observations of Phobos and Deimos, using scientific instruments to examine their surfaces, composition, gravity and physical characteristics.
A small French-German rover, named Idefix, will help investigate Phobos’ terrain and surface conditions. The main spacecraft is expected to attempt landings and collect samples during its exploration phase before beginning the return journey.
The return capsule is planned to reach Earth in 2031, carrying the material collected from Phobos.
International Collaboration in Space Exploration
Although JAXA leads the mission, MMX is supported by international partners, including NASA and European space agencies and research institutions.
The collaboration brings together scientific instruments, communications support and technical expertise. NASA is also expected to receive a portion of the returned samples for analysis by US researchers.
The partnership reflects the international nature of modern planetary science, where missions can combine expertise from several countries to investigate questions that no single spacecraft can fully answer.
Beyond Science: Preparing for Future Mars Missions
MMX is also designed to test technologies needed for future exploration of the Martian system. These include navigating near small celestial bodies, operating in extremely low gravity and collecting samples from a moon’s surface.
The experience gained could support future robotic missions and help prepare for more ambitious exploration of Mars and its surroundings.
Japan’s successful launch of the MMX spacecraft marks an important step in planetary exploration. By travelling to Phobos, studying Mars’ moons and returning samples to Earth, JAXA aims to address longstanding questions about their origins and the evolution of the Solar System.
With the sample return targeted for 2031, scientists will have the opportunity to examine material from a Martian moon in laboratories on Earth potentially providing new insights into planetary formation and the conditions associated with habitability.
