Japan sends robot Kirobo to the International Space Station

On August 4, Japan successfully launched an H2-B rocket carrying an unmanned cargo ship delivering supplies to the crew on the International Space Station (ISS).

Images provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) show the H-2B rocket lifted off from the launch pad on Tanegashima Island in southern Japan at 4:48 a.m. local time.

A talking robot named Kirobo was also brought to the ISS by H-2B to accompany Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata who will arrive at the space station in late 2013.

Kirobo talking robot. (Source: Kibo Robot Project)

The robot, which is 34cm tall and weighs about 1kg, is programmed to communicate in Japanese and retain conversations with Mr. Wakata - the first Japanese astronaut to command the ISS.

According to Kirobo robot inventor Tomotaka Takahashi, the robot memorizes Mr. Wakata's face so it can recognize him when they meet at the ISS.

Kirobo can also perform a wide range of body movements and will take part in tasks such as carrying messages from the control room to astronauts.

Kirobo is the first robot to be on the ISS and is part of a study looking at emotional support for people living in isolation for long periods of time.

A JAXA spokesman said the rocket launch went according to plan. 15 minutes after the rocket left the launch pad, the Konotori No. 4 transport ship separated from the rocket and entered orbit as planned.

The transport ship is expected to dock with the ISS on August 9, carrying drinking water, food, clothing and working equipment for the six astronauts permanently stationed at this space station.

This is an annual mission, previously carried out by countries including the US and Russia. This ship will also collect waste from the ISS./.

According to (TTXVN) - VT