TOKYO, June 12: Japan on Friday launched an H3 rocket test vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima.
The H3 rocket No. 6, featuring a new and simpler configuration, lifted off at around 9:54 a.m. local time, two days later than originally scheduled due to unfavorable weather conditions.
According to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, the rocket performed as planned and reached its target orbit about 15 minutes after launch.
It carried six small satellites that will be used for ocean observation and testing technologies for removing space debris, among other purposes, Kyodo News reported.
The launch marked the first H3 mission since last December's unsuccessful flight of H3 rocket No. 8.
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