Science · 3 min read

Japan's MMX spacecraft is on its way to a moon of Mars

JAXA launched MMX on 20 October 2026. The plan: collect about 10 grams from the Martian moon Phobos and land it back on Earth, in Australia, in 2031.

Source published 20 October 2026Checked by Japanily 3 November 2026

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JAXA launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on H3 rocket flight No. 10 from Tanegashima Space Center at 4:41 am Japan time on 20 October 2026. About 71 minutes after liftoff, the spacecraft separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit.

On 21 October, JAXA said MMX had finished its first critical operations, including opening its solar array paddles and setting up stable three-axis attitude control, and that the spacecraft was in good health. Next come equipment checks and preparation for the long cruise towards Mars.

The main target is Phobos, a moon of Mars that JAXA describes as never explored. The mission plan is to reach the Mars area in 2027, observe Phobos from a special nearby orbit, collect a sample of about 10 grams through two soft landings, and also observe the second moon, Deimos.

MMX is planned to leave the Mars area in 2030. Its sample capsule is scheduled to return in 2031 and be recovered in Australia. These are plans, not results, so check JAXA's mission pages for updates.

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Three-question story check

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1. What is the main goal of the MMX mission?

To land people on MarsTo study Phobos and bring a sample back to EarthTo photograph the SunTo test a new airport

2. Where is the MMX sample capsule scheduled to be recovered?

JapanAustraliaThe MoonSingapore

3. Which statement is a plan rather than a confirmed result?

MMX launched on 20 October 2026The spacecraft separated from the rocketThe capsule will return in 2031MMX completed its first critical operations

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Learning goal

Identify the main idea, retrieve dated mission details and distinguish a confirmed event from a future plan.

Discuss

Why might scientists want a real sample instead of only photos of Phobos?
Why could a mission plan change over five years?

Write

Write a short news update (3–4 sentences) that JAXA could post when MMX arrives near Mars. Use only details you could check.

Read Japanese and save words · Signed-in practice; draft passages are labelled.