2 satellite launches postponed due to preparation delays
February 1, 2006Japan's space agency announced Wednesday it will postpone the launches of two satellites for three days because preparations have been delayed as a result of the postponement in January of another satellite launch at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. A multifunctional transport satellite (MTSAT) is now scheduled for launch on Feb. 18 on the No. 2 version of the H2-A rocket and the infrared ray astronomical satellite Astro-F on Feb. 21 using the No. 8 version of the M5 rocket, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said.