Rather than the launch, the separation of the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) spacecraft from the H3 launch vehicle was our パチパチ (👏🏻) moment. It was suprisingly tense watching the graphic of the spacecraft head towards the separation moment. Now, it’s dawn. And the start of a new era of exploration.

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WHAT IS NEXT (I hear y’all shouting) The ESA-JAXA BepiColombo will be arriving at Mercury next month. The mission launched on this day eight years ago! IS THIS IS A COINCIDENCE?! (Yes. Yes it is.)

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It’s time… for a snack! Tanegashima island is famous for guns and… us 🚀 Not only do the local shops display posters of JAXA missions, but even the tatami-beri in several restaurants is decorated with rockets! It’s a lovely atmosphere.

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Who can argue?

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Today’s pre-launch press briefing dry run required me to dial in from the next room and ask a question in English to test the interpreter channels. “This is Elizabeth Tasker from… The Times… Are you all as nervous as I am right now?” Oscar-worthy journalism. 😂🚀 The real briefing is below!

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