Tuesday, October 20, 2026

An Interplanetary Mission Led by Japan Is on its Way to Phobos!

An H3-24L rocket carrying JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft launches from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan...on October 20, 2026 (Japan Time).
JAXA

Launch Result of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) Spacecraft aboard H3 Launch Vehicle Flight No.10 (News Release)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft aboard H3 Launch Vehicle flight No.10 at 04:41:03 JST on October 20, 2026 from the Tanegashima Space Center.

The H3 Launch Vehicle flew as planned, and approximately 71 minutes and 13 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the MMX spacecraft was confirmed. The MMX spacecraft was then injected into the predetermined orbit.

JAXA would like to express sincere gratitude for your support.

Source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

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An image of the Idefix rover, developed by CNES (French National Centre for Space Studies) and DLR (German Aerospace Center), before it was attached to JAXA's MMX spacecraft for launch.
JAXA

A technician attaches an SD memory card carrying the names and messages of 5,000 people onto the Idefix rover after it was mated to JAXA's MMX spacecraft for launch.
JAXA

Two technicians pose with a sign commemorating the installation of the SD memory card carrying 5,000 names and messages onto the Idefix rover.
JAXA

An image of JAXA's MMX spacecraft as it underwent preparations for launch.
JAXA

A technician poses with the H3-24L payload fairing that housed JAXA's MMX spacecraft for launch.
JAXA

In the distance, the H3-24L rocket carrying JAXA's MMX spacecraft stands tall on the launch pad at Tanegashima Space Center in Japan...on October 19, 2026 (Japan Time).
JAXA

The H3-24L rocket carrying JAXA's MMX spacecraft launches from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan...on October 20, 2026 (Japan Time).
JAXA

An artist's concept of JAXA's MMX spacecraft approaching the Martian moon Phobos.
JAXA

An artist's concept of the Idefix rover on the surface of Phobos.

My participation certificate for JAXA's MMX mission.

My late Mom's participation certificate for JAXA's MMX mission.
Posted by Richard Par at 11:59 PM
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