The launch of a Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and two colleagues is set for July 7, about two weeks later than originally scheduled, Russia's space agency said Monday.

The rescheduling came after the country's media reported recently that the launch is expected to be delayed about two weeks from the initially scheduled June 24 to early July due to control system problems.

The new Soyuz MS incorporates an improved position control engine and a GPS system. But the reports said the flaws may lead to body rotation and a failure to dock with the International Space Station.

Roscosmos said the state-owned space agency will carry out additional tests of the software for the spacecraft to enhance its safety.

Last year, the launch of a Soyuz spacecraft with Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui and two colleagues on board was put off for two months.