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Aerospace & Defense Industries

Japan delays H3 rocket's maiden launch, citing weather

Liftoff now scheduled for Friday, after two-day delay

Heavy winds in the area of the launch site on Tanegashima, Kagoshima prefecture, have delayed the H3 rocket's maiden voyage. (Photo by Mitsuru Obe)

(Reuters) -- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) will delay the maiden launch of its heavy-lift H3 rocket to Friday from Wednesday due to weather conditions, the space agency said on Tuesday.

"As a result of today's weather assessment, it is anticipated that weather conditions on the day of the launch will not be suitable, so changes will be made as a precautionary measure," it said in a statement.

The H3 rocket will carry a new land observation satellite, which will also be fitted with an experimental infrared sensor designed to detect missile launches.

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