This space mission, conducted during the final stage of the USSR’s existence, garnered significant attention within the global space community. This was due, firstly, to its ambitious scientific objectives, and secondly, to the extensive involvement of foreign scientists, including those from ESA. A detailed examination of the history of this mission sheds light on the challenges and difficulties faced by Soviet cosmonautics during the closing phase of perestroika, particularly in the realm of international cooperation. The failure of the Phobos mission exposed the systemic shortcomings of the Soviet command structure and undermined the confidence of foreign partners in the Soviet space sector.