NASA outlined its contributions to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Martian Moons eXploration mission, which is scheduled to launch from Tanegashima Space Center on October 19 Eastern time, or October 20 in Japan.

The spacecraft is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and examine both Phobos and Deimos. Its plan calls for detailed study of Phobos, collection of surface material no earlier than December 2028 and delivery of the sample to Earth in 2031.

NASA is providing the MEGANE gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, a pneumatic surface-sampling mechanism, Deep Space Network communications and navigation support, and funding for participating U.S. scientists.

The schedule describes planned milestones rather than completed operations. Launch, cruise, orbital surveys, sampling and return will each require separate mission decisions and successful spacecraft performance.