Veteran ESA probe rolls out welcome mat for Japan's Phobos mission

What happened: Japan's MMX mission to the Martian moon Phobos launched aboard an H3 rocket, and ESA's Mars Express probe is expected to support it on arrival. Key numbers: Launch on October 19 at 19:41 UTC (October 20 in Japan). Mars arrival due in 2027, about 10 g of Phobos material to return to Earth in 2031. Why it matters: Plans include joint observations and imaging of MMX's landing site. A former team member said discussions about another extension could begin in 2028 or 2029, with funding and scientific returns determining the outcome.

Japan's MMX mission to the Martian moon Phobos launched aboard an H3 rocket, and ESA's Mars Express probe is expected to support it on arrival.

Plans include joint observations and imaging of MMX's landing site. A former team member said discussions about another extension could begin in 2028 or 2029, with funding and scientific returns determining the outcome.