Japan launches flagship H3 rocket carrying defense satellite

KYODO
November 3, 2024

Japan launched a flagship H3 rocket carrying a Defense Ministry communications satellite Monday.

The H3 series is the successor to the country's current mainstay H2A vehicle that has supported Japan's space development for more than 20 years.

Japan's H3 rocket No. 4 lifts off carrying a Defense Ministry communications satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 4, 2024. (Kyodo)

The launch, initially scheduled for Oct. 20, was repeatedly postponed due to weather conditions and other reasons.

The H3 debuted in March 2023 but its maiden flight ended with a self-destruct order minutes after liftoff due to the failure of the second-stage engine to ignite. The No. 2 and No. 3 rockets were launched successfully in February and July this year.