Japan launches 'Moon Sniper' mission

Japan's "Moon Sniper" mission blasted off Thursday as the country's space programme looks to bounce back from a string of recent mishaps.

Watched by 35,000 people online, the H-IIA rocket lifted off early Thursday from the southern island of Tanegashima carrying the lander, which is expected to touch down on the lunar surface in early 2024.

Only the United States, Russia, China and, since last month, India have successfully landed a probe on the Moon, with two failed Japanese missions -- one public and one private.