Japan unveils new space rocket, hoping to boost prestige

February 17, 2009 by Karyn Poupee Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveils the new H-2B rocket

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) unveils the new H-2B rocket at their factory in Aichi prefecture, near Nagoya. The H-2B is initially intended to bring supplies of up to six tonnes per year via an unmanned HTV spacecraft, or "H-2 Transfer Vehicle," to the International Space Station.

Nestled in a cavernous but air-tight hangar, scientists are putting the finishing touches to Japan's H-2B rocket, hoping it will boost the country's prestige when it blasts off later this year.

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