Japan Sends Probe to Phobos to Retrieve Martian Moon Samples

WHO:

Ars Technica - Japan’s MMX spacecraft is the mission vehicle.

Phys.org - A Japanese spacecraft is traveling toward Mars.

ABC News Tech - A Japanese spacecraft is traveling toward Mars.

Boston.com News - Five of the world’s space agencies joined forces for the mission.

Boston.com News - The mission includes a robotic prospector and a rover.

WHAT:

Ars Technica - The MMX mission aims to bring home a piece of the Martian moon Phobos.

Phys.org - The spacecraft’s mission is to explore Mars’ moons and return samples.

ABC News Tech - The spacecraft’s mission is to explore Mars’ moons and return samples.

Boston.com News - The mission plans to attempt to land a robotic prospector and a rover on Phobos.

WHERE:

Ars Technica - The spacecraft will attempt landings on Phobos.

Phys.org - The spacecraft is headed toward Mars to explore its moons.

ABC News Tech - The spacecraft is headed toward Mars to explore its moons.

Boston.com News - Phobos is the larger and closer of Mars’ two small moons.

WHEN:

Ars Technica - The mission’s climax is expected in 2029, when the spacecraft will attempt up to two landings on Phobos.

Boston.com News - The mission is described as a five-year mission.

(UPDATED October 21, 2026 00:29 UTC)

Japan’s MMX spacecraft is heading to Mars on a mission to explore its moons and bring back a sample from Phobos. Five space agencies have joined forces, with plans to send a robotic prospector and rover to the larger, closer moon. The mission is expected to reach its climax in 2029, when the spacecraft will attempt up to two landings on Phobos.