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This topic is offered for NewMars members to keep track of the planned MMX mission to visit Phobos and Deimos in 2027.
Here is a Google Search summary of status as of 2026/08/23
AI Overview
The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission by JAXA is at the Tanegashima Space Center preparing for an H3 rocket launch scheduled for late 2026. The spacecraft arrived at the launch site in March 2026 to prep for its journey to Mars' moons.Wikipedia
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Current Status and Timeline
Launch: Scheduled for late 2026 via an H3 rocket from Japan.
Mars Arrival: Estimated in 2027 to begin orbiting and mapping.
Phobos Landing & Sampling: Planned around 2029 to collect over 10 grams of material.
Earth Return: Capsule re-entry in Australia targeted for 2031.JAXA｜宇宙航空研究開発機構
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Mission Highlights
Spacecraft & Rover: Includes a three-module vehicle and the French-German Idefix rover.
Scientific Goal: Determine if Phobos and Deimos are captured asteroids or giant impact fragments.
Explore the official MMX JAXA Portal.
Check mission partner updates from the ESA MMX Factsheet.
Read launch preparations reporting from Space.com.
If you'd like, I can provide more details on:
The scientific instruments onboard
The sampling mechanisms (corer and pneumatic)
The role of international partners like NASA and
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This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members.
The mission will launch (if all goes well) in 2026, and return samples to Australia in 2031.
There will be plenty of opportunities for status reports, and the occasional discovery.
Index:
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