Ramen Noodle Clogs Control Panel on Space Shuttle, JAXA Decides to Fly Rocket Pilotless

In a news post you read here first on Ani-Pock, I reported that Japan planned to send a probe into outer space to orbit the moon.
Yesterday morning, the rocket containing the probe was launched successfully from the JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) after the project was put on hold from a number of setbacks.

The rocket will orbit the earth a number of times before the moon is in just the right position for it to go straight into orbit with the probe and accessory satellites.

The probe, named "Kaguya" after a tenth century tale about a princess from the moon, will collect data about the moon and hopefully help scientists discover its origins.
Though, Japan isn't admitting this to be a space race, China has plans to reach for the moon as well, while both are planning a manned mission to the moon once again.

Read more from the Japan Times.
Thanks, Kami, for notifying about this article.

Edit: Well, wouldn't you know it. Kami and I had the same idea. I read that the launch was streamed live online and I forgot to post the video I found.

As Kami would say, "EnjoY!"

Update 2: I couldn't resist mixing in some Evangelion sound effects and music to this launch... so check out my version below!!! xD -Pocky