Japan launches first lunar probe

[Rick]

Japan's space agency has successfully launched its first lunar probe on a mission to explore the Moon.

A rocket carrying the orbiter blasted off from the space centre on the remote southern island of Tanegashima.

Over the course of a year, the orbiter will gather data on the Moon's origin and evolution.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6994272.stm