A Japanese asteroid probe is heading off on a six-year journey to an asteroid in hopes of obtaining samples that scientists think may assist in revealing the origins of life. The launch of the probe, named Hayabusa 2 after the peregrine falcon, took place on Wednesday after being postponed twice because of inclement weather.

During its trip to space, the probe is set to map the asteroid’s surface before landing, using small explosives to blast a crater and collect debris from its arrival. It is anticipated that the probe will arrive at the asteroid in the middle of 2018. If all goes according to plan, the probe will then return with its samples in 2020, when Tokyo will host the Summer Olympic Games.

Successful completion of this mission will help to solidify Japan’s space program reputation, which has been marred by previous ill-fated attempts and lack of success. The initial Hayabusa probe did not collect as much material as anticipated, and its seven-year mission ended with a fiery crash in an Australian desert.

An H-2A rocket, carrying two spy satellites, had to be destroyed after venturing off course in 2003.

The Hayabusa’s 2 launch, initially scheduled for November 30, was delayed twice by inclement weather. December 7 is the last attempt for a successful launch before 2016.

According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Hayabusa2 will target a C-type asteroid “1999 JU3” to study the origin and evolution of the solar system as well as materials for life by leveraging the experience acquired from the Hayabusa mission.