In a significant stride for its space program, Japan successfully launched its next-generation H3 rocket on Saturday, marking a triumphant return to form after two consecutive launch failures.
The liftoff, which occurred at 9:22 am Tokyo time (12:22 GMT), marked a significant milestone for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and its ambitions in space exploration. The H3 carried a dummy satellite and two functioning microsatellites designed to assist with disaster prevention and monitor factory operations.
The launch was met with cheers and embraces at the JAXA command center as the rocket achieved its targeted trajectory and released its first payload. JAXA is expected to hold a press conference later on Saturday to provide further details on the mission.
"It was confirmed that the rocket flew as planned, injecting the second stage vehicle into the designated orbit, and separating CE-SAT-IE approximately 16 minutes and 43 seconds after launch," JAXA said in a media release.
"Furthermore, data from the second stage vehicle after its orbit around the Earth confirmed the sending of a separation signal to TIRSAT, the execution of a controlled re-entry of the second stage vehicle, and the separation of the rocket performance confirmation payload (VEP-4)."
The H3, touted as Japan's next-generation flagship rocket, is designed to replace the H-IIA, which has served the country's space program for over two decades. Developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 boasts increased payload capacity and lower operational costs compared to its predecessor. It can carry a 6.5 metric tonne payload into space for around five billion yen ($33 million) per launch, nearly half the cost of the H-IIA.
The successful deployment underscores Japan's ambitions to secure a competitive edge in the global space market, offering services ranging from supply missions to the International Space Station to supporting the US-led Artemis moon exploration initiative. With plans to launch around 20 satellites and probes using the H3 by 2030, Tokyo is positioning itself as a key player in the expanding frontier of space exploration.
This successful launch comes after two setbacks for Japan's space program in 2023. The first H3 launch attempt in March resulted in a malfunction of the second-stage engine, forcing ground control to activate the rocket's self-destruct mechanism. A subsequent investigation by JAXA identified potential electrical faults but could not pinpoint the exact cause of the failure.
However, Japan managed to achieve a positive space milestone last month with the successful landing of its unmanned SLIM probe on the lunar surface, marking the country's fifth place in the global race to reach the moon.
