A rocket awaits lift off on the Japanese coast - ready to transport vital supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).<br/> <br />Staff on the island of Tanegashima counted down the launch to send the unmanned craft into space.<br/> <br />The cargo vessel can carry up to six tons of food and other materials for astronauts living aboard the space station.<br/> <br />After delivering its supplies, it will be reloaded with waste material and then sent to burn in the atmosphere.<br/> <br />It is the third cargo vessel to be launched by Japan.<br/> <br />On July 27 it is scheduled to dock with the space station.<br/> <br />Sarah Charlton, Reuters.
