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Space
Japan plans Phobos sample mission to investigate origins of Mars’s moons
Original report:
Japan’s MMX spacecraft is intended to return the first samples from Phobos, helping scientists test competing explanations for the origins of Mars’s moons. The Guardian’s October 2026 report outlined a five-year mission with international instruments and a planned return in 2031.
Space
NASA’s twin ESCAPADE probes use powered Earth flybys to head toward Mars
Original report:
NASA reported on November 9, 2026, that both ESCAPADE spacecraft had completed engine-assisted Earth flybys, setting them on course for Mars. The mission aims to use coordinated observations from two orbiters to investigate how the solar wind drives atmospheric loss.
Space
Curiosity Drills Nazca Rock to Investigate Possible Martian Crystals
Original report:
NASA’s Curiosity rover completed its 49th drill hole in a rock containing disc-shaped features interpreted as possible crystals. The mission’s account, covering October 2026 planning, said a sample had been delivered to CheMin, with analysis results still awaiting transmission to Earth.