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Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)

MMX is JAXA's international Martian-moons sample-return mission. The Mitsubishi Electric-built spacecraft combines propulsion, exploration, and return modules to observe Phobos and Deimos, deploy the CNES/DLR IDEFIX rover, land on Phobos, collect more than 10 grams of material, and return a detachable capsule to Earth.

Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)
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Identity

Aliases
MMXMartian Moons Exploration
Name
Martian Moons eXploration (MMX)
Status
planned

Details

Astronauts
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Description
MMX is JAXA's international Martian-moons sample-return mission. The Mitsubishi Electric-built spacecraft combines propulsion, exploration, and return modules to observe Phobos and Deimos, deploy the CNES/DLR IDEFIX rover, land on Phobos, collect more than 10 grams of material, and return a detachable capsule to Earth.
Launch Site
Outcome
Planned. The flight spacecraft was delivered to Tanegashima in March 2026 and is undergoing protoflight testing for launch on the mission-specific H3-24L vehicle in Japanese fiscal year 2026. JAXA's current plan calls for Mars-system operations in 2027-2030 and capsule recovery in Australia in fiscal year 2031.
Program
MMX
Vehicle Families

Links

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
April 26, 2026 at 15:34:08 UTC
Updated Time
July 19, 2026 at 19:20:48 UTC

Other

Affiliations
Space Stations
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Vehicles
Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) - AeroVia