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For something to go wrong with a Japanese rocket, something has to be wrong. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has a reputation for getting things done well, and on time.
Until now, they have an unbroken record of rocket launches. But this H-IIB rocket changed things when the launch pad under it mysteriously caught on fire just hours before the planned liftoff time.
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As you can see in the GIF above, a fire erupted on the launch platform underneath the rocket, which was located at the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.
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Soon, the fire got bigger. The fire began sometime after fueling the rocket, but it was unclear what started the fire.
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The H-IIB rocket was carrying an HTV-8 cargo ship atop it, which contained supplies for the ISS. These supplies included six lithium-ion batteries and a prototype Sony laser-communications system to the ISS. The batteries are intended to replace the old ones that are on the P6 solar array module.
After the fire occurred, NASA officials stated that the current Expidition 60 crew isn't in danger of running out of vital supplies and won't be affected by this delay.
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The fire burned for two hours before it was extinguished. Officials say that although there were astronauts on board the rocket, no-one was hurt. They are still unsure as to what caused the fire.
Today's launch is postponed because we found a fire around the hole at the deck of the mobile launcher at 3:05 a.m. JST.
— MHI Launch Services (@MHI_LS) September 10, 2019
Now we are trying to extinguish a fire. #H2BF8 -
This liftoff would have taken place on the 10th anniversary of the first HTV flight. But, for some reason, it wasn't meant to be. Better luck next time.
Japanese Rocket Grounded By Launch Pad Fire (Photos)
On September 10th, a Japanese rocket carrying cargo bound for the International Space Station (ISS) was unable to launch after a fire broke out on the launch pad. No-one was hurt, but the whole thing was a little unusual.
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