Japan's Epsilon rocket has finally taken off!
After experiencing technical difficulties and malfunctions at the Uchinoura Space Center on Aug. 27, Japan's cheap, new space rocket has lifted off into space on Saturday.
"The launch vehicle flew smoothly, and, at about 61 minutes and 39 seconds after liftoff, the separation of the SPRINT-A was confirmed," Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said in a press release. "We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the launch of the Epsilon-1."
According to Reuters, the rocket successfully lifted off at 2 p.m. local time (1 a.m. EDT). It is the first new rocket that has taken off in the last 12 years in Japan.
The first launch was delayed due to a computer glitch. The 80-foot-tall, 100-ton rocket's successful launch will open doors for Japan's growing space agency.
"The successful launch moved Japan a step closer to its goal of cashing in on the international satellite launch industry," Reuters reports. "The rocket's smaller size and a computer system that allows it to perform its own systems checks means it can be assembled quickly, enabling operators to cut personnel and equipment costs."
The Epsilon is not the first cheap rocket JAXA has launched, and the agency did many things to prepare for the launch.
"Japan's M-5 rocket, the Epsilon's predecessor in the small satellite launch market, took six weeks to assemble and prepare for launch," according to JAXA. "Once engineers perfect the Epsilon's prelaunch flow, the rocket will be ready to fly seven days after the booster's first stage is stacked on the launch pad."
Spaceflight Now reports JAXA's Epsilon rocket launch project cost about 3.8 billion yen, or approximately $38 million. Epsilon's second mission is scheduled for 2015 to reportedly study the effects of solar storms on Earth.
