Japan ends H2A rocket era with last launch, moves to H3

Japan has launched its H2A rocket for the final time, marking a shift to its next-generation H3 programme.

Japan’s flagship H2A rocket was launched for the 50th and final time early on Sunday, closing over two decades of reliable service and signalling a transition to the country’s new H3 launch system.

The launch took place at around 1:33 a.m. local time from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. It carried the "Ibuki-GW" satellite, developed by Japan's Ministry of the Environment, the National Institute for Environmental Studies, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The satellite will monitor greenhouse gases from space to support Japan’s environmental policies and international climate commitments.

Introduced in 2001, the H2A rocket has been central to Japan's space ambitions, deploying a range of satellites for communication, observation, and national security. Except for one failure in 2003, all other launches succeeded, showcasing the reliability and precision of Japan’s space engineering.

With H2A retired, Japan is turning its focus to the next-generation H3 rocket, designed to reduce launch costs and enhance competitiveness in the growing global space sector. The H3 will also support upcoming commercial satellite missions and Japan’s expanded goals for lunar exploration.

The shift to H3 is seen as a strategic move to maintain Japan’s presence in space technology while meeting demands for more affordable and frequent launches in a competitive market dominated by companies like SpaceX.

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