What Happened
Japan Leads International Effort to Uncover Martian Moon Secrets
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is set to launch its Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft on October 20, 2026, aboard its H3 rocket. The mission aims to collect a sample from Phobos, a moon of Mars, and return it to Earth. The sample will help determine Phobos’ origin, whether it formed as a captured asteroid or condensed from debris ejected by a giant impact on Mars. The mission is a joint effort between JAXA, NASA, CNES, DLR, and ESA, and is expected to provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the Martian system. This article was first reported by Tech Insider.