GoKawiilJAXA launches MMX spacecraft on five-year Mars moon sample-return mission
Japan's space agency JAXA launched the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft Monday aboard an H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, kicking off a five-year mission to land on Phobos, the largest Martian moon, and bring samples back to Earth. The $578 million spacecraft separated successfully about 71 minutes after liftoff, deployed its solar panels, and reported stable contact with ground controllers, JAXA officials said.