Japanese Rocket Bound for Moon Takes Off, Clears Launch Tower

A Japanese rocket is bound for the moon after taking off Thursday following multiple delays due to poor weather.

(Bloomberg) — A Japanese rocket is bound for the moon after taking off Thursday following multiple delays due to poor weather.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s H2-A rocket took off around 8:42 a.m. local time from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.

It was carrying an advanced imaging satellite and a lightweight lander scheduled to reach the moon as early as January.

The rocket was originally supposed to launch on Aug. 26, but was delayed three times due to weather concerns.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com