Japan successfully launches probe in historic Mars moon mission

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) probe on Tuesday, aiming to be the first to retrieve samples from one of Mars' moons. The unmanned spacecraft took off from Tanegashima Space Center at 4:41am (1941 GMT Monday), according to JAXA. Over an hour later, JAXA announced that the probe had separated from the H3 and began its journey toward the Martian system.

JAXA scientist Mari Aida expressed her happiness, saying "I d dreamt of this day, so I m incredibly happy." Thousands of people tuned in for the live stream, posting messages of encouragement. The spacecraft is expected to arrive near Mars in August next year, where it will orbit Phobos, one of Mars' moons. French-German rover IDEFIX will be the first vehicle to travel across Phobos, conducting surface observations to ensure a safe landing.

The mission, a collaboration with US and European space agencies, aims to collect at least 10 grams of material from Phobos' surface over three years. Scientists hope it will help unravel the origins of the Solar System and life on Earth. The samples will provide insights into how Mars and its two moons formed, aiding our understanding of the habitable environment for life on terrestrial planets.