Japan's space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has announced that its new flagship H3 rocket will undergo a second test flight on Saturday. Initially scheduled for Thursday, the liftoff was postponed due to unfavorable weather conditions forecasted at the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.
The H3 rocket has been in development for over a decade and is intended to take over from the current mainstay, the H-2A rocket, which is planned for retirement after just two more flights. This upcoming launch is crucial for Japan's space development, especially after the H3's debut flight ended in failure last March. During its maiden launch, the rocket had to be destroyed along with its payload, the advanced land observation satellite (ALOS-3). In this second test flight, a mockup of the ALOS satellite, known as VEP-4, will be onboard the H3.
JAXA has set multiple goals for this mission. The primary objective is to ensure the H3 rocket follows its intended trajectory successfully. Additionally, JAXA aims to deploy two observation microsatellites into orbit during this test flight. The H3 rocket has been designed to carry larger payloads compared to its predecessor, the H-2A, and aims to be more cost-effective to maintain global competitiveness.
The expectations surrounding this launch are high, especially given JAXA's recent achievements. Last month, they achieved a historic precision moon landing with their spacecraft launched from the H-2A rocket. This success was shortly followed by the 48th H-2A rocket flawlessly placing a spy satellite into its designated orbit.
With Saturday's test flight of the H3 rocket, JAXA hopes to validate its design, capabilities, and potential to serve as a reliable and efficient tool for Japan's space exploration endeavors. The outcome of this highly anticipated test will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Japan's space program.
