Japan successfully launches H3 rocket in second attempt

On February 17, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the second H3 rocket test vehicle into orbit and it was a success to send the Japanese space research programs to a new level.

The H3 rocket, which was designed by JAXA and developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries took flight from Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 9:22 a.m. (Japan Time).

The rocket fairing carried a 2.6-ton dummy VEP-4 satellite which resembles the weight of an actual satellite to send into Earth’s orbit. The launch director confirmed that the mission flew as planned.

It injected the second stage vehicle into the designated orbit and separated the CE-SAT-IE at around 16 minutes and 43 seconds after launch.

Along with the primary objective, there were two mini-satellites in the rocket fairings but there are no updates about their status.

This new achievement is a major milestone for JAXA after the first attempt failed last year. This step also comes after the H-2A rocket is set to retire by the next fiscal year in April.

(source – JapanTimes)