https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-to-launch-martian-moon-mission-on-tuesday-nhk-world-japan-newsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-to-launch-martian-moon-mission-on-tuesday-nhk-world-japan-newshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/japan-to-launch-martian-moon-mission-on-tuesday-nhk-world-japan-news#u141931Wed, 21 Oct 2026 04:07:00 +0000Japan launched the MMX spacecraft aboard an H3 rocket on Tuesday, October 20, to collect the first samples from Phobos, the largest moon of Mars. The mission aims to retrieve at least 10 grammes of material to help scientists understand the origins of the solar system. JAXA expects the craft to arrive at Mars in August 2027, with a planned return to Earth in 2031. NASA is also providing assistance to help unlock mysteries regarding the Martian moons through this upcoming mission.Why it mattersPhobos is the larger of two moons orbiting Mars. Returning physical samples from this body provides di