The launch is a boost for Japan’s space program following a recent streak of successes, including a historic precision touchdown on the moon of an unmanned spacecraft last month.
Japan’s flagship H3 rocket reached orbit and released two small observation satellites in a key second test following a failed debut launch last year, buoying hope for the country in the global space race.
The H3 rocket blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on time Saturday morning, two days after its originally scheduled liftoff was delayed by bad weather.
The rocket successfully reached orbit at an altitude of about 420 miles and released two satellites, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said.
« We feel so relieved to be able to announce the good results, » JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa told a news conference.
The H3’s main missions are to secure independent access to space and be competitive as international demand for satellite launches grows. « We made a big first step today toward achieving that goal, » Yamakawa said.
The launch is a boost for Japan’s space program following a recent streak of successes, including a on the moon of an unmanned spacecraft last month.
