# Japan’s MMX probe sets course for Mars moon Phobos

https://mins.news/en/item/107429

- DW, 2026-10-20 07:16 UTC
- Science
- Original: https://www.dw.com/en/japan-probe-sets-course-for-mars-moon/a-79708491?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf

> Japan’s MMX spacecraft launched aboard an H3 rocket and began its journey toward Phobos, one of Mars’ moons. JAXA confirmed the probe separated successfully and was operating normally. It is expected to arrive in August 2027, collect surface samples and deploy the French-German IDEFIX rover to study the moon and investigate the origins of Mars and its moons.

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