The brief

Analyst view

• JAXA operates Japan's H3 heavy-lift launch vehicle and leads scientific deep-space missions.
• The Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft launches on H3 F10 on October 20, 2026, to return samples from Phobos.
• MMX is a collaborative mission with NASA, ESA, CNES and DLR.

Technical approach

As reported

H3 Rocket

Japan's modern heavy-lift launch vehicle

The H3 is designed to launch heavy payloads to orbit more cost-effectively than earlier Japanese rockets.

Deep-Space Science

Robotic exploration of planets and moons

JAXA develops spacecraft for scientific missions, including orbiters and sample-return missions.

International Partnerships

Collaboration with space agencies

JAXA works with NASA, ESA and other agencies to share expertise and infrastructure for ambitious missions.