The launch of Hiten marked a pivotal moment for Japan in the realm of space exploration. Hiten, meaning 'flying angel' in Japanese, was Japan's first lunar exploration mission, undertaken by the National Space Development Agency (NASDA). The probe was launched atop a H-II rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. It successfully entered Earth orbit before performing a series of slingshot maneuvers around the planet to gain enough velocity to break free and head toward the moon. This complex trajectory was part of a strategy to minimize fuel consumption while maximizing the probe's velocity, a technique that highlighted Japan's advancements in spacecraft engineering.Hiten's mission involved two key objectives: to map the lunar surface and analyze the moon's gravitational field. It was equipped with various scientific instruments, including a high-resolution camera and a laser altimeter, which provided invaluable data on the moon's topography and surface composition. One of the most interesting features of Hiten was its innovative use of two separate modules: the main orbiter and a small mobile lander named Umikaze, which was intended to make autonomous landing attempts on the lunar surface. Although Umikaze did not survive its intended lunar landing, Hiten successfully completed its primary mission and provided critical data that paved the way for future lunar explorations.The launch of Hiten was a major step forward for Japan's space program, positioning it alongside global leaders in space exploration. This mission marked the beginning of a new era of lunar exploration for Japan, leading to more initiatives in space research and technology development, including participation in international collaborations for missions beyond the moon.