TOKYO – The first Japanese rocket with a commercial payload headed into space Tuesday in a bid by Japan to enter the market for international satellite launches.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries rocket took off at 3:50 p.m. from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launch pad on the island of Tanegashima, off Japan’s southernmost main island of Kyushu.
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It is carrying a broadcast and telecommunications satellite for Canadian company Telesat.
The launch was delayed for about 30 minutes because a boat entered a restricted zone.
The rocket is an improved version of early models that Japan hopes will make it more competitive in the satellite launch market.
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