Japan launches next-gen H3 rocket

Japan’s space agency successfully launched its new flagship rocket on Saturday, finally achieving success after years of delays and overcoming two previous failed attempts.

The next-generation H3 has been mooted as a rival to SpaceX’s Falcon 9, and could one day deliver cargo to bases on the Moon.

Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the space agency JAXA, said, “I’ve been in the space industry for a long time, but I’ve never felt so happy before, and I’ve never felt so relieved.” 

This latest launch follows Japan’s successful landing last month of an unmanned probe on the Moon – albeit at a wonky angle, making it just the fifth country to land a craft on the lunar surface.

The H3 launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan at 9:22 am (0022 GMT).

Excitement poured out from the JAXA control centre after the agency’s live stream announced the H3’s engines had successfully burned, meaning the rocket had made it into orbit.

The rocket, which took off successfully on Saturday, was carrying two small satellites. One of the microsatellites is expected to contribute to disaster prevention by taking photos and videos.

The other, equipped with a sensor to detect infrared rays, is intended to track the operation conditions of factories on the ground.

Separation of the microsatellites was also confirmed, according to JAXA’s live stream.

“We will keep analysing the sequences after successfully putting the rocket into orbit,” a JAXA official said.

“However, space payloads are getting heavier and heavier, and to remain competitive in the missions it can mount, Japan needs access to more powerful launch vehicles, like H3.”

Also Read: Japan aborts launch of flagship H3 rocket

Developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 is the successor to the H-IIA launch system, which debuted in 2001.

Designed for “high flexibility, high reliability, and high-cost performance,”  the craft will “maintain Japan’s autonomous access to space,” JAXA said.

Unlike the reusable Falcon 9, the H3 is expendable, but scientists say the trial of its world-first technology is significant.

“The H3 rocket has a unique and novel first-stage engine that delivers greater thrust compared to state-of-the-art rockets,” said Michele Trenti, director of the Melbourne Space Laboratory at the University of Melbourne.

The H3 “has the potential to be the most cost-effective rocket,”  making the exploration of the solar system more affordable. Its maiden launch has been beset by mishaps.

In February 2023, the launch was abandoned after ignition issues left the rocket standing motionless on the ground. On the second try in March last year, technical problems meant a destruct command was issued shortly after blast-off. This latest launch was postponed by four days due to bad weather.

Vanguard/Chidimma Gold