A Japanese rocket lifted off and successfully put the national space programme’s first commercial satellite into orbit, as Tokyo tries to enter a business dominated by European and Russian companies. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries oversaw the launch from Tanegashima Space Center in southwest Japan. The launch of the H-IIA rocket was delayed by roughly 30 minutes because a small ship unexpectedly came near the space station.
The rocket carries TELSTAR 12V communications and broadcasting satellite for Canadian satellite operator Telesat. Japan wants to become a major player in the satellite launching business. It has tried to improve the H-IIA rocket to cut the cost of each launch to make its programme competitive.
Did You Know???
- Japan consists of over 6,800 islands.
- Japanese Trains are among the world’s most punctual: their average delay is just 18 seconds.
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Japan’s birth rate is so low that adult diapers are sold more than baby diapers.
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Sleeping on the job is acceptable in Japan, as it’s viewed as exhaustion from working hard.
- The Kuril Islands dispute is a dispute between Japan and Russia.
- The islands are disputed between China and Japan are Senkaku islands.
