Japan successfully launches world's smallest rocket to send a satellite into orbit

Japan's space agency launched on Saturday (February 3) what it says is the smallest rocket ever to send a satellite into orbit.

A launch of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's SS-520 in January 2017 failed when a communications problem was discovered after the first stage of the launch. The rocket was allowed to drop back to earth without sending its payload into orbit.

The SS-520 rocket was modified this time from a two-stage rocket to a three-stage rocket but the size remains as the previous rocket at about 10 metres (35 feet) long and 50 centimeters (20 inches) in diameter.

The 3kg (6.6 lb), 35-centimetre nano-satellite is carrying will take images of the earth and gather other data.