JAXA

Timeline

1. 20 Oct2026
   Science and tech

   JAXA launches Martian Moons eXploration mission to Phobos¹²

   An H3 rocket carried MMX from Tanegashima on 20 October to collect at least 10 g of Phobos surface material for return to Earth.

   • JAXA's MMX launched on an H3 from Tanegashima at 04:41 JST on 20 October 2026 (19 October UTC), the 10th H3 flight
   • First mission to collect and return a sample from Phobos: at least 10 g
   • Arrives at Mars in August 2027; samples due back in 2031 (ESA)
   • JAXA-led with NASA, CNES, DLR and ESA
2. 3 Sep2026
   Science and tech

   BepiColombo's transfer module separates, starting arrival phase at Mercury³⁴

   The ESA-JAXA probe launched in 2018. Its Mercury Transfer Module separated on 3 September 2026, starting the arrival phase; Mercury orbit insertion is due on 21 November 2026 and the science phase in April 2027.

   • Mercury Transfer Module separated on 3 September 2026
   • Orbit insertion scheduled for 21 November 2026
   • Nominal science phase from April 2027
   • Launched 2018
3. 11 Jul2026
   Science and tech

   JAXA completes first hop test of reusable rocket RV-X⁵

   JAXA's experimental reusable rocket RV-X completed its first test flight at the Noshiro Testing Center, Japan, on Saturday (likely 11 July 2026): it lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally and landed in under a minute.

   • JAXA's experimental reusable rocket RV-X completed its first test flight at the Noshiro Testing Center, Japan, on Saturday (likely 11 July 2026): it lifted off, hovered, moved horizontally and landed in under a minute

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Sources

1. Space.com
2. ESA
3. ESA
4. Space.com
5. The Tribune (AP)