Japan's new H-3 rocket, designed for cost-effectiveness, successfully launched the Earth-observation satellite Daichi-4 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The launch marked the third attempt, with the first ending in failure, showcasing the importance of this successful mission as the first operational launch involving the H-3 rocket.
The joint development of the H-3 rocket by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. emphasizes the utilization of commonly found parts in automobiles and aircraft, as well as incorporating 3-D printing technology to reduce production costs. The shift of production solely to Mitsubishi Heavy underlines a strategic move to streamline manufacturing operations and increase efficiency in the production of H-3 rockets.
The successful launch of the Daichi-4 satellite, succeeding the Daichi-2 currently in use, serves various purposes, including assessing natural disasters and other applications. The H-3 rocket's cost competitiveness aims to attract international demand for satellite launches, with plans to launch four more rockets in fiscal 2024 and potentially achieve an annual launch rate of six H-3 rockets in the future.