It is launching a fleet of spy satellites and plans to test a rocket that can reenter the atmosphere--officially, for space shuttle research.

FORBES: Japan Weapons, Inc.

It was always going to be a test flight - the first of two that have been planned to bring the shuttle programme back on track.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Nasa reflects on a 'great day'

Buick will be on the ground with the NCAA in Atlanta, displaying cars, offering test drives and courtesy cars to shuttle people around.

FORBES: Buick's Road To Redemption

Even the Space Shuttle, about to be retired after 30 years of service, was itself three years late to the launch pad, and that was after Shuttle main engines blew up on their test stands.

FORBES: SpaceX: Loren Thompson's Deceit