Japan's JAXA launches Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on H3 rocket to bring back samples from Phobos
On 20 October 2026 (04:41 JST; 01:11 IST), JAXA launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard H3 Launch Vehicle flight No. 10 from the Tanegashima Space Center; MMX is a sample-return mission to Phobos, a moon of Mars.
Summary
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard H3 Launch Vehicle flight No. 10 from the Tanegashima Space Center at 04:41:03 JST on 20 October 2026. About 71 minutes after liftoff the spacecraft separated and was injected into its planned Mars transfer orbit. MMX is a sample-return mission to Phobos, the larger of Mars' two moons, and JAXA aims to achieve humanity's first sample return from the Martian sphere in fiscal year 2031. The H3 flew in its most powerful configuration with two LE-9 engines and four solid rocket boosters.
Key facts
- Mission
- Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)
- Agency
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
- Launch
- 20 October 2026, 04:41:03 JST (01:11 IST)
- Rocket
- H3 Launch Vehicle flight No. 10 (H3-24L: 2 LE-9 engines, 4 SRB-3 boosters)
- Launch site
- Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
- Target
- Phobos, larger moon of Mars - sample return
- Sample return goal
- FY2031 (first from the Martian sphere)
- Separation
- About 71 min 13 s after liftoff
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Japan's MMX mission, launched in October 2026, aims to bring back samples from which celestial body?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Phobos
Which launch vehicle carried JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on 20 October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — H3
From which launch site was Japan's MMX spacecraft launched in October 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Tanegashima Space Center