Space agency announces ‘successful liftoff’ and says rocket has already released one micro-satellite
Japan’s space agency has successfully launched a second test model of its new flagship rocket H3, in a welcome boost to its space program after last year’s inaugural flight failed.
The launch further burnishes the country’s space credentials after the historic “pinpoint” moon landing of Japan’s Slim spacecraft last month.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) and primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have designed the H3 to replace the two-decade-old H-IIA, hoping that its lower costs and greater payload capacity will help them win launch orders from global clients.
The H3 had a “successful liftoff” at 9.22am Tokyo time (0022 GMT) on Saturday and was “on course” with its engines properly working, Jaxa said in a live broadcast that showed scientists clapping and hugging each other at Tanegashima Space Centre.
