MMX mission to send 25 kg Idefix rover to Phobos

Japan's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission launches on October 19 and will deliver the 25 kg Idefix rover to Phobos, where it will weigh only about 15 grams due to the moon's weak gravity. The spacecraft arrives at Mars in August 2027, the rover lands in early 2029, and samples are to be returned to Earth in 2031.

• MMX launches on October 19 and reaches Mars in August 2027
• The 25 kg Idefix rover will weigh about 15 grams on Phobos
• Rover landing is scheduled for early 2029
• Phobos samples are to land in Australia in 2031