Science & space · Space · Impact 1 Watch

Japan launches MMX mission to collect samples from Mars moon Phobos

19 Oct 2026, 23:37 UTC · Tanegashima Space Center, Japan · confirmed by 4 outlets

Japan's H3 rocket lifted off from Tanegashima carrying the Martian Moons Exploration spacecraft, which aims to bring back samples from Phobos.

Location

Tanegashima Space Center, Japan · Japan live map

Coordinates

30.40°N 131.00°E

Reported

19 Oct 2026, 23:37 UTC

Category

Science & space · Space

Impact

1 of 5 · Watch

Situation

Space exploration