Rocket rethink

IN the wake of last month’s failed H-2 rocket launch, Japan will cancel its
H-2 programme and delay the maiden launch of the improved H-2A. The government
is expected to agree to the Science and Technology Agency’s plan to postpone the
H-2A project by a year. Although preparations for a maiden launch next year were
90 per cent complete, engineers will now review the entire programme. Attention
is likely to focus on the LE-7 engine, which shut down during last month’s
abortive launch.