MMX ends its initial critical phase; equipment checks remain ahead
Launch: October 20. JAXA announcement: October 21. Reviewed after October 25 coverage; not confirmation that all equipment checks are finished.
IllustrationJAXA confirmed on October 21 that essential operations after MMX's launch had worked. We distinguish this milestone from completing checks of all onboard equipment.
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Launch: October 20. JAXA announcement: October 21. Reviewed after October 25 coverage; not confirmation that all equipment checks are finished.
Establishing spacecraft health
JAXA said important initial sequences had operated normally and MMX's health was confirmed. The initial critical phase covers activities after separation such as deploying solar panels, establishing three-axis attitude and releasing the medium-gain antenna restraint.
What comes next
JAXA's announcement says initial checks of onboard equipment will continue alongside preparations for outbound cruise operations toward Mars. Ending the critical phase does not mean every instrument check is complete or that the spacecraft has reached Mars. This is a follow-up milestone to the October 20 launch.
Sources & further reading
Our own summary based on the public information below.
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