Japan Successfully Launches New Flagship H3 Rocket After Failure Last Year
Japan launches new flagship H3 rocket, which made its maiden voyage last year unsuccessful, completed a crucial second test by deploying two small observation satellites into orbit. This development bolsters the nation's prospects in the international space competition.
Author:Suleman ShahReviewer:Han JuFeb 19, 202449K Shares662.5K Views
Japan launches new flagship H3 rocket, which made its maiden voyage last year unsuccessful, completed a crucial second test by deploying two small observation satellites into orbit. This development bolsters the nation's prospects in the international space competition.
On Saturday morning, the H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center, marking the return to schedule two days after inclement weather caused a postponement of its initial departure.
After A Year, Japan Launched H3 Rocket Successfully
Japan has reclaimed its position in the space race with the successful launch of its new H3 flagship rocket on Saturday, marking a significant turnaround for the country's space program. The achievement comes after a series of setbacks, including the failure of the rocket's inaugural flight last year.
The launch, conducted by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) at the Tanegashima Space Center, not only re-establishes Japan's space ambitions but also follows the recent triumph of its lunar lander, SLIM, which achieved a "pinpoint" touchdown on the moon, making Japan the fifth country to accomplish this feat.
JAXA project manager Masashi Okada expressed his joy at the successful launch, stating,"The newborn H3 has just made its first cry,"during a newsconference. The rocket's flawless performance, releasing a small satellite, microsatellite, and a dummy satellite during its nearly two-hour flight, marked a crucial step forward for Japan's space exploration.
The H3, designed to replace the retiring H-IIA, is a 63-meter rocket capable of carrying a 6.5 metric-ton payload. The success of this launch is pivotal for Japan, as another failure could have jeopardized the country's independent access to space.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida celebrated the achievement, stating:
“„So happy to see this incredible accomplishment in the space sector that follows on from the success of the SLIM moon landing.- Fumio Kishida
The government's ambitious plans include launching about 20 satellites and probes with H3 rockets by 2030 for domestic use.
Japan's collaboration with the United States to counter China in space activities adds a geopolitical dimension to its renewed space endeavors. The H3 launch underscores Japan's commitment to staying competitive in an environment where satellite launch demands are increasing, driven by the emergence of affordable commercial vehicles like SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9.
JAXA and primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aim to reduce per-launch costs for the H3 to as low as five billion yen ($33 million) in the long term. The adoption of simpler structures and automotive-grade electronics is expected to make the H3 an attractive option for global clients, potentially generating significant business for Japan in the international launch market.
“„It's taken some time for the program to get to this point, but with this launch, they will be fielding inquiries from around the world.- Ko Ogasawara
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries plans to launch eight to ten H3 rockets annually, according to Masayuki Eguchi, the head of the company's defense and space business. This ambitious target aims to increase the company's 50 billion yen space business sales by 20-30%, requiring additional production capacity to meet the growing demand for reliable and cost-effective satellite launches.
Final Thoughts
The space agency of Japan has declared the successful launch of its next-generation rocket into orbit, following two unsuccessful endeavors that had dampened the nation's aspirations in the realm of space.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) stated in a live broadcast that the H3 entered its planned orbit carrying an artificial satellite and two operational microsatellites after a "successful liftoff" at 9:22 am Tokyo time (12:22 GMT) on Saturday.
Suleman Shah
Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences.
Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA).
Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju
Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality.
Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence.
Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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