Japan test-flies jet vehicle for own shuttle program.

Japan Transportation Scan, October, 2002

CHRISTMAS ISLAND, Kiribati, Oct. 18 Kyodo

Japan succeeded in flying an unmanned jet-powered vehicle in the mid-Pacific Ocean island nation of Kiribati on Friday in a test aimed at developing its own version of a space shuttle.

According to the National Aeronautical Laboratory (NAL) and National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), the vehicle flew on a scheduled path after takeoff to successfully land by automatic pilot at 5:50 a.m. on Christmas Island in Kiribati.

The test was held early -- before seabirds living around Aeon field in the southeastern part of Christmas Island began their day's activities. There had been concern that the birds might come in contact with the vehicle.

The test vehicle climbed to an altitude of...