Japanese Rocket Takes Off for Moon After Troublesome Year

09/07/2023 10:11

A Japanese rocket bound for the moon took off early Thursday, offering relief to a battered national space program following a string of weather delays, major setbacks and high-profile failures.

WATCH: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is launching an experimental moon lander ‘Moon Sniper’ and an X-ray telescope aboard Mitsubishi Heavy’s H-IIA F47 rocket. Source: APTN

A Japanese rocket bound for the moon took off early Thursday, offering relief to a battered national space program following a string of weather delays, major setbacks and high-profile failures.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s H2-A rocket lifted off around 8:42 a.m. local time from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. It was originally scheduled to launch in August but was delayed three times on concerns over bad weather.

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Japanese Rocket Takes Off for Moon After Troublesome Year