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TOKYO, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Japan successfully launched its first next generation H-2A rocket on Wednesday by throwing a test satellite into orbit, the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) said.
The launch was widely seen to be holding the future of the country's troubled space programme, clouded by the failed launch of two prototypes and faced with possible funding cuts from a reformist government keen to stem wasteful public spending.
A mishap in 1999 resulted in the loss of a 10 billion yen ($83.30 million) prototype, while another unsuccessful launch the year before cost 60 billion yen.
03:32 08-29-01
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Japan Initiates Her Entry into the Space Age
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