Post date: Jul 21, 2012 9:58:56 AM
JAPAN ROCKET LAUNCH - A rocket awaits lift off on the Japanese coast - ready to transport vital supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).
Staff on the island of Tanegashima counted down the launch to send the unmanned craft into space.
The cargo vessel can carry up to six tons of food and other materials for astronauts living aboard the space station.
After delivering its supplies, it will be reloaded with waste material and then sent to burn in the atmosphere.
It is the third cargo vessel to be launched by Japan.
On July 27 it is scheduled to dock with the space station.
Sarah Charlton, Reuters.
Japan launches a rocket carrying an unmanned cargo transporter to the International Space Station (ISS).