Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency-JAXA launched world’s smallest rocket of 10 metres height with a micro-satellite

Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched world’s smallest rocket with a micro-satellite on February 3. The rocket which is the smallest in the world has the capacity to put a micro-satellite into the orbit.

This attempt counts a special place as previous effort for the same met with failures.  

The rocket with a height of 10 metres and 53 cm in diametre took off from Uchinoura Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture and was aired live on YouTube.

It is said that this rocket is an improved version of JAXA’s SS-520 developed by University of Tokyo to capture splendid images of earth’s surface from outer space.

Previously the micro-satellite weighed only three kilograms.  

Earlier in 2017, JAXA’s launch attempt of micro satellite failed as the rocket fell in the sea due to short circuit and vibrations caused during take-off.  

The current launch is attributed to the growing demand from the private sector and also to measure the Japanese Aerospace Agency’s own efficiency to produce low cost satellite.

Traditionally big satellites for the purpose of defence is made by the Japanese Aerospace Agency. Competition has risen in the private sector making smaller and low cost satellites.