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Tech · October 19, 2026

Japan’s MMX Mission Wants to Bring Martian Moon Samples Back to Earth

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Japan's Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission, an international effort to study Phobos and Deimos and return the first-ever samples from a Martian moon. The $350 million mission involves dropping a rover onto Phobos in 2029 before the main spacecraft collects at least 10 grams of soil to return to Earth by 2031. The primary scientific goal is to determine if the moons are captured asteroids or remnants of a massive collision with Mars. The mission features contributions from NASA, ESA, and the French and German space agencies.

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Reported by multiple outlets

  • The mission is led by JAXA and launched from the Tanegashima Space Center.
  • The spacecraft is expected to reach Mars in 2027.
  • The goal is to return samples to Earth by 2031.
  • The mission aims to resolve whether the moons are captured asteroids or results of a giant impact.
  • At least 10 grams of material will be collected from Phobos.
  • A small rover will be deployed to the surface of Phobos ahead of the main sampling landing.
  • The mission is a collaboration involving NASA, ESA, and French and German space agencies.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The mission cost is approximately $350 million.
  • Russia has attempted three failed missions to Phobos since the 1980s.
  • The spacecraft weighs 9,900 pounds.
  • The rover weighs 55 pounds.
  • The MMX probe used a Japanese H3 rocket for launch.
  • The rover will use cameras and lasers to study mineral composition and soil temperature.
  • JAXA previously conducted successful sample-return missions Hayabusa and Hayabusa2.

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