The H3 rocket launched from the Tanegashima Space Center at 3:48 PM on November 4. (©Sankei by Juichiro Ito)
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Japan's next-generation flagship rocket, the H3, was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane, Kagoshima Prefecture, at 3:48 PM on November 4.
This marks the fourth flight of the H3 series, which successfully deployed the Ministry of Defense's X-band communication satellite, Kirameki-3. It is also the H3's third consecutive successful launch, following improvements made after its failed maiden flight in March 2023.
High Reliability
During a press conference, Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), expressed relief. "Despite repeated delays, we prepared meticulously for this launch, and we are pleased with the successful outcome," he stated. "We will continue to build on these achievements step by step."
The H3 was developed as the successor to the H-IIA rocket, which will retire after its 50th launch in FY 2025. With 48 successful missions out of 49, the H-IIA's reliability is inherited by the H3, and its recent successes are likely to boost future satellite launch orders.
Notably, the fourth flight of the H3 rocket achieved a significant milestone by placing a satellite into geostationary orbit, approximately 36,000 kilometers above Earth, for the first time. This marks an important step in expanding Japan's space business, particularly given the high demand for commercial satellite launches.
Cost Efficiency
With three consecutive successful launches, the H3 series has hit its stride. While trial operations concluded with the second launch, the rocket remains under development for further growth. The LE9 main engine, newly developed for the H3, offers more power and a simplified structure with fewer parts, resulting in cost reductions.
However, during the first H3 launch, the two LE9 engines experienced some vibration issues. In response, the second launch used a combination of one original and one improved engine.
Following the success of this approach, the third and fourth launches utilized two improved engines. JAXA is now expediting the development of a further enhanced LE9 engine, designed to effectively address vibration and other issues.
Diversifying rocket configurations is another priority. The first four launches featured two main engines and two solid rocket boosters, suitable for large satellite missions but excessive for smaller payloads.
To accommodate smaller satellites, JAXA is developing a lower-powered version with three main engines and no boosters, reducing fuel consumption. For larger payloads, a version with four boosters and a larger satellite fairing is also in the works.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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