31.   Japan decided to postpone the first test launch of its space shuttle prototype Thursday because of expected rain that could damage the craft.

32.   The backup vial was required in case the first satellite launch failed.

33.   The European Space Agency sent a rocket into space Wednesday from its base in French Guiana, the first launch of the new year, company officials said.

34.   The first launch could be within two years, said Ronald C. Olson, a Boeing Commercial Space vice president and Sea Launch program manager.

35.   The first launch is scheduled for Friday morning from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

36.   The first launch of a cluster of Iridium satellites took place in June from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

37.   The first launch is set for next year.

38.   The launch will be the fourth from the Kodiak rocket complex but the first orbital launch.

39.   The second vial is required as backup in case the first satellite launch is unsuccessful.

40.   The rocket had its first successful launch in August of last year.