# JAXA's MMX Mission Launch

> Watch JAXA's first Mars moon sample mission launch live.
- Title: JAXA's MMX Mission Launch · Mashable | Shortify
- Summary: Watch JAXA's first Mars moon sample mission launch live. JAXA launches MMX spacecraft to Phobos moon for soil sample return to Earth by 2031.
- Keywords: jaxa, mmx, phobos, mars, soil sample, japan, space mission, technology, culture, JAXA's, Mission, Launch
- Source: Mashable — https://mashable.com/science/how-to-watch-jaxa-mars-mission-phobos-launch
- Author: Elisha Sauers
- Published: 2026-10-18T18:19:53+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jaxa, mmx, phobos, mars, soil sample, japan, space mission, technology, culture
## JAXA launches MMX mission
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launches spacecraft to Mars system for soil sample return.
## Launch date and time
Rocket lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center at 3:41 p.m. ET on Oct. 19.
## Mission timeline
MMX reaches Mars in August 2024, lands on Phobos by December 2028, returns to Earth in 2031.
## Sample collection
Honeybee Robotics' sampler will collect soil from Phobos using nitrogen gas.
## Scientific goals
Sample will reveal how Mars gained its moons through asteroid impact or debris.
## Live stream details
Launch livestream begins at 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT on Monday.
## Key takeaway

JAXA launches MMX spacecraft to Phobos moon for soil sample return to Earth by 2031.