Japan probe on its way to Mars moon
Japan's JAXA has successfully launched the MMX probe, which is headed to Mars' moon Phobos to collect surface samples. The mission is a collaborative effort involving international space agencies to better understand the origins of the solar system.
Why it matters
This mission represents a major milestone in space exploration and provides critical data for future human missions to Mars.
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.
Despite the early hour in Japan, thousands of people tuned into the live stream, posting messages of encouragement.
The spacecraft is due to arrive near Mars around August next year, where it will orbit one of its moons, Phobos.
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Japan Launches Historic Spacecraft on Journey to Mars Moons
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