The H-3 Launch Vehicle No. 2 successfully lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on February 17th, 2023. The launch marked a significant milestone for Japan's space program, as the H-3 is set to replace the aging H-2A rocket as the nation's flagship launch vehicle.
The H-3 carried two satellites and a dummy payload on its maiden flight. The dummy payload was used to confirm the rocket's capabilities before releasing the actual satellites into their intended orbit at an altitude of 675 kilometers. Notably, the second-stage engine, which malfunctioned during an unsuccessful launch attempt in March 2022, performed flawlessly this time.
Developed jointly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H-3 is designed to be both highly capable and cost-effective. JAXA aims to keep the cost of a single H-3 launch around 5 billion yen ($33.3 million), which is about half the cost of an H-2A launch.
With its successful maiden flight, the H-3 has a busy schedule ahead. It is slated to play a crucial role in JAXA's Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission and will also be used to transport resupplies to the International Space Station on the new HTV-X cargo spacecraft. The H-3's successful launch represents a significant step forward for Japan's space ambitions and paves the way for future exploration and scientific endeavors.