Japan's newest rocket Epsilon lifts off
Reuters
2013-09-14
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EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS MATERIAL WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY 4:3
Japan's first new rocket in 12 years successfully lifted off on Saturday (September 14), from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Uchinoura launch centre some 1000 kilometres (621 miles) south of Tokyo.
The launch comes after two setbacks last month, keeping alive hopes that the country may eventually be able to enter the growing, multi-billion dollar satellite launch industry.
The rocket lifted off at 2.00 p.m. (0500GMT), carrying a SPRINT-A satellite, equipped with an ultraviolet telescope for observation of the solar system from space.
The launch was broadcast live over the internet and by several national broadcasters.
The three-stage rocket named Epsilon is about half the size of Japan's existing H2A rocket and has been touted as a new, low-cost alternative. Epsilon is 24.4 metres (80 feet) high and weighs 91 tonnes.
A previous launch on August 27 was halted 19
Japan's first new rocket in 12 years successfully lifted off on Saturday (September 14), from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Uchinoura launch centre some 1000 kilometres (621 miles) south of Tokyo.
The launch comes after two setbacks last month, keeping alive hopes that the country may eventually be able to enter the growing, multi-billion dollar satellite launch industry.
The rocket lifted off at 2.00 p.m. (0500GMT), carrying a SPRINT-A satellite, equipped with an ultraviolet telescope for observation of the solar system from space.
The launch was broadcast live over the internet and by several national broadcasters.
The three-stage rocket named Epsilon is about half the size of Japan's existing H2A rocket and has been touted as a new, low-cost alternative. Epsilon is 24.4 metres (80 feet) high and weighs 91 tonnes.
A previous launch on August 27 was halted 19
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