Japan launches navigation satellite

Japanese H-2A rocket soared away from a launch pad on a rocky overlook on the Pacific Ocean, hauling into orbit the country’s third Michibiki satellite to join a constellation of navigation aids to improve positioning services across the country.

The third satellite to join Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System took off at 0529 GMT (1:29 a.m. EDT; 2:29 p.m. Japan Standard Time) Saturday, eight days later than originally scheduled.

Weather pushed back the mission’s initial Aug, 11 launch date, and a leaky helium pressurization system scrubbed a launch attempt Aug, 12, forcing ground crews to roll the rocket back to its hangar for repairs.

The 174-foot-tall (53-meter) H-2A launcher, powered by a hydrogen-fueled main engine and four strap-on solid rocket boosters, headed east from the Tanegashima Space Center, a spaceport built on an island at the southwestern edge of the country.

UCJ,UNILORIN.