H3 Rocket - GoKawiil

JAXA launches MMX spacecraft toward Mars moon Phobos aboard H3 rocket

Japan's space agency JAXA launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on an H3 rocket, beginning a roughly 10-month journey to Mars. The probe is set to enter orbit around Phobos in August 2027, deploy the French-German IDEFIX rover to the moon's surface, and later attempt two landings to collect samples before returning them to Earth.

science.slashdot.org · 2026-10-20

JAXA launches MMX spacecraft on five-year Mars moon sample-return mission

Japan's space agency JAXA launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft Monday aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, kicking off a five-year mission to land on Phobos, the largest Martian moon, and bring samples back to Earth. The $578 million spacecraft separated successfully about 71 minutes after liftoff, deployed its solar panels, and reported stable contact with ground controllers, JAXA officials said.

arstechnica.com · 2026-10-20