science
JAXA’s MMX Mission Launches to Study Phobos and Deimos
JAXA’s Martian Moons eXploration mission lifted off on an H3 rocket on 20 October 2026. It is planned to investigate Phobos and Deimos, collect a sample from Phobos and return to Earth.
Khabre desk
Phobos
Recent reporting, analysis and explainers from the Phobos desk.
science
JAXA’s MMX Mission Targets a Phobos Sample Return With NASA Support
JAXA’s MMX mission is targeting an October 2026 launch to study Mars’ moons and return a sample from Phobos. NASA is contributing a composition-measuring instrument, sampler technology, communications support and scientific expertise.
science
NASA to Contribute Instruments and Sample Technology to Mars-Moon Mission
NASA is contributing a science instrument, sample-collection technology and communications support to JAXA’s MMX mission to study Mars’ moons and return a sample from Phobos. The spacecraft is targeting launch on Oct. 19, 2026, with sample return planned for 2031.
science
Perseverance Captures Earth Disappearing Behind Mars’ Moon Phobos
NASA’s Perseverance rover captured Earth passing behind Phobos from the surface of Mars on July 2, 2026. The observation is the first of its kind, showing Earth briefly disappearing behind an object as seen from another planet.