Rocket launch postponed

Bad weather has delayed the launch of Japan's latest H-2A space rocket.

It was due to take off today from Tanegashima but has been postponed until Monday.

Another H-2A model was launched into orbit in August after a number of delays.

Gales stopped the National Space Development Agency of Japan launching a new H-2A test model from the Tanegashima Space Centre today.

An official said: "We don't worry at all because we know that the H-2A rocket programme and delays often go together."

The August launch was the first time NASDA successfully sent a rocket into space since 1999 following two failed attempts.