Japan’s Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe has begun its journey to Phobos, one of Mars’s two moons. The mission is the first ever to bring back material from a Martian moon, making it a key step for planetary science and future space travel.

The MMX spacecraft lifted off on an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on Monday morning. After separating from the launch vehicle, JAXA confirmed the probe was operating normally and heading toward the Martian system.

When MMX reaches Phobos, likely in August next year, it will spend three years orbiting the moon and collect at least 10 grams of surface material. The sample will then be sealed for a return trip to Earth, marking the first round‑trip to the Martian region.

Scientists hope the Phobos samples will show whether the moons formed from a giant impact on Mars or were captured asteroids. Knowing the correct origin also helps explain how habitable environments could develop on rocky planets such as Earth and Mars.

JAXA also sees the mission as a stepping stone for human crews, exploring whether Phobos could serve as a natural space station for future Mars missions. In short, MMX links the search for our Solar System’s past with the next chapter of human space exploration.