JAXA will launch its MMX mission to collect samples from the Martian moon Phobos. Success could clarify the moon's origins and reveal clues about Mars' early history.

Japan is launching a spacecraft on a groundbreaking mission to bring back samples from Phobos, one of Mars' moons.

JAXA is preparing to launch its MMX spacecraft towards the Martian moon Phobos on Tuesday. The mission could deliver the first samples from the Martian system to Earth in 2031.