Japan's rocket to launch UAE satellite

TOKYO, March 2 (KUNA) -- A major Japanese firm has received an order from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch a satellite, public broadcaster NHK reported Monday.
According to a contract signed between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and the UAE's space agency last month, Mitsubishi offers launch services using Japan's mainstay H2A rocket, the report said.
An H2A carrying an earth observation satellite named Khalifasat is scheduled to lift off in 2017 from a space center in southwestern Japan.
This is Mitsubishi's third overseas satellite launch order since it began the business in 2007. An H2A placed a South Korean satellite into orbit in 2012, and another is scheduled to launch a Canadian satellite in fiscal 2015.
Japan faces tough competition from the US and European rivals in the satellite launching business, but the H2A is beginning to earn the trust of prospective customers. The rocket boasts a 96-percent success rate with 21 successful launches in a row up to February. (end) mk.ibi