TOKYO, 1st July, 2024 (WAM) -- Japan successfully launched on Monday its new flagship H3 rocket carrying an Earth observation satellite from a space centre on a southwestern island, in a boost to the country's space aspirations following the vehicle's failed debut last year.
The domestically manufactured H3 rocket No. 3 lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture, releasing its first stage about 5 minutes later and separating the satellite about 17 minutes later as planned, Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported.
The launch of the rocket, the successor to the country's current mainstay H2A vehicle, comes as Japan seeks to gain a foothold in the increasingly competitive satellite-launch sector, with plans to launch H3 rockets six times a year.
The launch of the H3 rocket No. 3 was initially scheduled for Sunday but was put off due to expected bad weather.
Previous attempts
The launch of the maiden No. 1 vehicle ended in failure in March 2023. It was ordered to self-destruct minutes after launch due to its second-stage engine failing to ignite. The H3 rocket No. 2 in February was a success but carried a dummy satellite.
The No. 1 and No. 2 rockets were test rockets unlike the No. 3.
The Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 carried by the No. 3 rocket is expected to be used for observing disaster-hit areas and monitoring ground transformation caused by volcanic activity or an earthquake.
Through the use of radar, the satellite can acquire images even in bad weather and at night.
The liquid-fuel H3 rocket was developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. to serve as Japan's next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle. The launch service price for the H3 is expected to be lower than that of the H2A, according to JAXA.
Global competition has intensified since SpaceX of the United States, which boasts revolutionary technology and a strong track record in rocket launches, entered the market.