Japan to launch second H3 Launch vehicle by this week

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced the second test flight for the H3 Launch Vehicle could lift this week from Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC).

The flight was initially planned for February 15, but scrubbed due to unfavorable weather conditions.

The new launch is set for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 9:22:55 (Japan Standard Time) and backup launch opportunities will be available from February 18, 2024, to March 31, 2024 (Sunday).

H3 Launch Vehicle (Credit: JAXA)

H3 Launch vehicles have two types of fairings. It could attach two or three units for the first stage engines (LE-9) and zero, two or four solid rocket boosters to send different sizes and weights of payloads into orbit.

The LE-9 is the engine design for the H3 Launch Vehicle, it is by far the strongest rocket developed in Japan.

(source – JAXA)