Japan's Space Agency Announces Major Upgrade to Satellite Imaging System
Japan's space agency, JAXA, has announced a plan to launch a major upgrade to its satellite imaging system. This upgrade will be carried out through the launch of a new flagship rocket, the H3, on June 30th, 2024.
The H3 rocket will carry the Advanced Land Observation Satellite, ALOS-4, which will be primarily tasked with Earth observation and data collection for disaster response and mapmaking. Additionally, ALOS-4 will be equipped with an infrared sensor developed by the Defense Ministry, allowing it to monitor military activity, such as missile launches.
This launch marks the third attempt for the H3 rocket, following a failed debut in March 2023 and a successful launch on February 17th, 2024. During the first attempt, the rocket's second stage engine failed to ignite, resulting in the destruction of the rocket and its payload. The successful second launch carried two commercially-developed observation microsatellites and an ALOS mockup.
JAXA and its main contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), have been developing the H3 as a successor to the current H-2A rocket, which is nearing retirement. MHI plans to eventually take over H3 production and launches from JAXA, with the goal of making it commercially viable.
Japan views a stable and commercially competitive space transport capability as crucial to its space program and national security. The H3 rocket, with its increased payload capacity and lower launch cost compared to the H-2A, represents a significant step towards achieving this goal.