Japan launches unmanned probe to a moon of Mars
It is expected to arrive in August 2027 and return with samples in 2031.

Japan announced on 20 October that it has launched an unmanned spacecraft towards a moon of Mars.
Japanese space officials said the mission aims to bring back samples for study from a moon that has not previously been explored.
The craft is expected to reach Mars in August 2027 and to return to Earth with its samples in 2031.
Experts say the mission could also assist wider research on the planet itself.
The launch is seen as advancing Japan’s ambitions in the space sector.

