Martian Moons eXploration
Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) is a robotic space probe set for launch in 2026 to bring back the first samples from Mars' largest moon Phobos. Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and announced on 9 June 2015, MMX will land and collect samples from Phobos once or twice, along with conducting Deimos flyby observations and monitoring Mars's climate.
An artist's concept of Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft
Phobos, the largest moon of Mars
Phobos is the innermost and larger of the two natural satellites of Mars, the other being Deimos. The two moons were discovered in 1877 by American astronomer Asaph Hall. It is named after Phobos, the Greek god of fear and panic, who is the son of Ares (Mars) and twin brother of Deimos.
Enhanced color image of Phobos, as captured by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Stickney, the largest crater on Phobos, is on the right.
Asaph Hall III, discoverer of Phobos
The Phobos monolith (right of center) as taken by the Mars Global Surveyor (MOC Image 55103, 1998).
Image: Stickney mro