Better tools. Better news.
Thursday, October 22, 2026 (UTC)
Appearance
Theme
Accent colour
Tints the masthead accent, links, the favicon and share cards.
Type size
Face
Language
Back issue · Thursday, October 22, 2026 · as it ran
Tech
Japan launches Mars moon probe AI illustrationhow this picture was made 
By June Park · 4h
Japan launches MMX mission aiming for first sample return from Mars moon Phobos
The Martian Moons eXploration probe lifted off Tuesday from Tanegashima aboard the H3 rocket.
By June Park · 4hJapan has successfully launched its Martian Moons eXploration mission to study Mars' two moons, Phobos and Deimos.
The probe departed Tanegashima Space Center on Tuesday using the H3 rocket.
If the mission proceeds as planned, MMX will be the first spacecraft to land on Phobos and return samples to Earth for study.
Scientists intend to use the returned material to help establish the origins of the solar system and life on Earth.
Read with its sources →