JAXA launches Martian Moon eXplorer mission toward Mars and Phobos to return samples by 2031

Summary

According to Universe Today, JAXA has launched its Martian Moon eXplorer spacecraft toward Mars and Phobos. The spacecraft is expected to reach Mars in about six months and orbit the planet for roughly a month before moving into orbit around Phobos. It will deploy a small lander to help select the sample-gathering location for the main part of the mission. A regolith sample from Phobos is expected to be back on Earth by 2031.

Timeline

1. Universe Today

   20 Oct 2026, 20:09 UTCSource ↗

   Universe Today reports that JAXA launched its Martian Moon eXplorer toward Mars and Phobos, with arrival at Mars in about six months, a month in Mars orbit, a transfer to Phobos orbit, a small lander to pick the sampling site, and a Phobos regolith sample due back on Earth by 2031.