Posted: Wed, Jan 21, 2009, 6:54 AM ET (1154 GMT)
The launch of an Earth observation satellite on a Japanese rocket has been postponed until later this week because of poor weather at the launch site. The launch of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT), also known as Ibuki, on an H-2A rocket has been scheduled for Wednesday, but was delayed first to Thursday, and then to Friday, because of "excessive" clouds forecast to cover the site. The satellite, built by the Japanese space agency JAXA, is designed to provide global measurements of carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere. The launch will also place seven small secondary payloads into orbit as well.

Related Links:

•  Bloomberg News article
•  JAXA press release