Japan probe on its way to Mars moon
Japan has successfully launched the MMX probe, which is headed to Mars's moon Phobos to collect surface samples. This mission aims to provide insights into the origins of the Solar System and prepare for future human exploration.
Why it matters
This mission represents a significant milestone in international space exploration and could fundamentally change our understanding of the Martian system.
A Japanese spacecraft was on its way to one of Mars's moons on Tuesday on a world-first mission to retrieve samples, potentially helping unlock the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth.
The flagship H3 rocket carrying the unmanned Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe blasted off into a pitch black sky from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:41 am (1941 GMT Monday), according to a live stream broadcast by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Over an hour later, JAXA announced via the live broadcast that the probe had successfully separated from the H3 and was "beginning its journey toward the Martian system".
"I'd dreamt of this day, so I'm incredibly happy," said JAXA scientist Mari Aida. "Right now I feel really relieved."
Following the separation, JAXA said it received signals from the spacecraft as expected, confirming it was operating normally.
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Japan Launches Historic Spacecraft on Journey to Mars Moons
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