Japan successfully launches spacecraft on 5-year mission to collect samples from Martian moon

An uncrewed Japanese spacecraft is on its way to Phobos, one of two small moons orbiting Mars, on a historic five-year mission to retrieve samples. Researchers hope the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) vessel will help them discover more about early formation of the solar system and the origins of life on Earth. The mission also aims to help lay groundwork for eventual human exploration of the Martian region.