Japan's Space Agency Announces Major Upgrade to Satellite Imaging System
Japan's space agency, JAXA, has announced a major upgrade to its satellite imaging system. This upgrade will be launched on a new flagship rocket, the H3, which is scheduled for its third test launch on June 30th, 2024.
The H3 rocket will carry the Advanced Land Observation Satellite, ALOS-4, which will be used for Earth observation and data collection for disaster response and mapmaking. The satellite will also be equipped with an infrared sensor developed by the Defense Ministry to monitor military activity, such as missile launches.
This launch will be the H3's third attempt after a failed debut in March 2023 and a successful launch on February 17th, 2024. During the first attempt, the rocket's second stage engine did not ignite, and the rocket had to be destroyed.
JAXA and its main contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have been developing the H3 as a successor to the H-2A rocket, which is set to retire after two more flights. MHI will eventually take over H3 production and launches from JAXA and hopes to make it commercially viable.
Japan sees a stable, commercially competitive space transport capability as key to the country's space program and national security. The 57-meter (187-foot) long H3 rocket is designed to carry larger payloads than the H-2A at about half its launch cost.