Photo Journal: Ready to rumble

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Epsilon-2 rocket is seen on a launch pad at Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki, Kagoshima Prefecture, on the night of Dec. 14, 2016 during a launch simulation. JAXA's Epsilon-2, which uses a new type of solid fuel, is scheduled to lift off on Dec. 20. The Epsilon is designed as a replacement for the M5 solid-state fuel rocket, which was retired from service in 2006, and is equipped with an artificial intelligence system intended to reduce operational costs. (Mainichi)