Planetary Science
MMX (Martian Moons eXploration)
MMX is designed to clarify the origin of the Martian moons and the evolution of the Martian system. The spacecraft enters orbit around Phobos, observes both moons, collects a sample of more than 10 g from Phobos and returns it to Earth in a sample return capsule, which JAXA describes as the first return of material from the Martian system.
- Operator
- JAXA (ISAS)
- Launch vehicle
- H3 (Flight No. 10)
- Launch site
- Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
- Target orbit
- Quasi-satellite orbit (QSO) around Phobos
- Duration
- About five years round trip (JAXA)
- Schedule
- JAXA announced launch for 04:41 JST on October 20, 2026, which is 19:41 UTC on October 19. JAXA's release also lists a reserve launch period.
Instruments and payloads
- TENGOO and OROCHI cameras
- LIDAR
- MIRS near-infrared spectrometer
- MEGANE gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer
- CMDM dust monitor
- MSA mass spectrum analyzer
- Idefix rover
- C-Sampler and P-Sampler (sample return capsule)
Primary source: global.jaxa.jp. Facts checked on 2026-10-10. Dates are the operator's targets and can change; this page does not report launch outcomes.