Japan Delays Launch Of High-Speed Internet Satellite

February 13, 2008 10:37 p.m. EST

Tokyo, Japan (AHN) - The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on Wednesday announced it is delaying the launch of a satellite that aims to provide high-speed Internet access across Asia citing technical problem with its rocket.

The launch of the Kazuna experimental satellite was originally set on Friday, but JAXA said they discovered a problem with the gas jet thruster for its H-2A launch rocket at its station on the southern island of Tanegashima. Kazuna was said to provide broadband-speed Internet service across Asia even when terrestrial infrastructure bogs down.

In a statement, JAXA said, "The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined."

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd and JAXA collaborated in the development of Kazuna.