H-IIA rocket carries astronomy satellite into space

An H-IIA rocket carrying an X-ray astronomy satellite was successfully launched Wednesday from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The two-stage carrier vehicle lifted off at 5:45 p.m., delivering the Astro-H satellite about 15 minutes later into orbit, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The launch was initially scheduled for last Friday but was postponed due to bad weather. JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. are the builders and operators of the H-IIA rockets. Wednesday’s mission was the 24th consecutive successful launch of the model. More

(Source: The Japan Times - Feb 18)