Overview
- JAXA launched the MMX spacecraft on H3 No.10 from Tanegashima and inserted it into its planned trajectory on Tuesday, Oct. 20, with separation confirmed about 71 minutes after liftoff.
- The mission will reach the Mars region around August 2027, attempt two Phobos landings in 2029 to gather at least 10 grams of surface material, and is scheduled to return a sample capsule to Earth in 2031.
- MMX is a roughly 4.5‑tonne, three‑module spacecraft that will jettison parts as the mission advances and carry instruments designed to map Phobos and pick safe landing sites.
- Following the launch, JAXA said it is actively planning to transfer H3 launch operations to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with a possible handover as early as 2027, a move that shifts routine launch duties toward industry.
- The project involves international partners and U.S. support, including NASA instruments, and the launch drew strong local public interest along with reports of luminous high‑altitude clouds caused by rocket exhaust.