Japan launches new rocket carrying Earth observation satellite

Today, Monday, Japan successfully launched its new pioneering H3 rocket carrying an Earth observation satellite, according to a live broadcast by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

Japan's Kyodo News Agency reported that the locally manufactured H3 rocket was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture (southwest), where its first stage was launched after about 5 minutes, while the satellite was separated after about 17 minutes as planned.

The advanced satellite is expected to be used for Earth observation and monitoring of disaster areas and land movements caused by volcanic activity or earthquakes. Using radar, the satellite will be able to take pictures even in bad weather conditions and at night.

The launch of the rocket, which replaces Japan's current primary H2A vehicle, comes as the country seeks to gain a foothold in the increasingly competitive field of satellite launches, with plans to launch H3 rockets six times this year.

The third H3 rocket was scheduled for launch yesterday, Sunday, but was postponed due to expected bad weather conditions.

Japan had failed to launch the first vehicle, No. 1, in March 2023 and decided to self-destruct the vehicle minutes after launch due to the failure of the second stage engine to ignite. While the H3 No. 2 rocket achieved great success last February, it was carrying a fake satellite.

The No. 1 and No. 2 rockets were experimental rockets, unlike the No. 3 rocket.