Japan launches rocket with telescope

Epsilon rocket made with half the cost of the previous generation.

Japan successfully launched its first rocket in 12 years that transports space telescope to observe the various planets.

Epsilon rocket is half the size of the previous generation space rocket.

The rocket uses a special tool to check for safety.

Japan's space agency, Jaxa, said Epsilon was made at a cost of U.S. $ 37 million, half of the cost of the previous generation rocket.

Epsilon was launched from southwestern Japan on Saturday afternoon (14/09) local time.

Residents gathered to watch the launch, which was broadcast directly through the internet.

The rocket is carrying a telescope called Jaxa the first space telescope in the world that will be able to observe planets including Venus, Mars and Jupiter from Earth orbit.

Eight people at the launch

Jaxa said the rocket was able to record the telescope Sprint-A, about 1,000 km above the Earth's surface as scheduled.

Previous rockets, M-5, is not used again in 2006 due to increased production costs.

Jaxa says Epsilon is not only cheaper but also in development for launch costs.

With the use of a check made, this new rocket requires only eight people at launch, compared with 150 people at the launch of M-5.

The new findings including sending Japanese space robots that can talk to the international space station.

Japan expects to reach the market in the satellite industry, which is dominated by European entities, Ariannespace.

Click onChina and India also offers an alternative in the satellite industry.