Japan's H3 Rocket Launch Postponed Due to Weather
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced the postponement of the planned launch of its new flagship H3 rocket, originally scheduled for this weekend. The decision was made due to anticipated bad weather, including rain and thunder, predicted for Saturday night, when the rocket was to be moved to the launch site at the Tanegashima Space Center.
The launch, initially scheduled for Sunday, will now take place on Monday. The H3 rocket will carry the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS-4), tasked with Earth observation and data collection for disaster response and mapmaking. Additionally, the satellite will monitor military activity, such as missile launches, using an infrared sensor developed by the Defense Ministry.
The ALOS-4 is a successor to the current ALOS-2 and boasts a significantly wider observation area. Japan plans to operate both satellites for the time being.
This launch marks the H3's third attempt, following a successful launch on February 17th. The first flight in 2022 resulted in a shocking failure, leading to the destruction of the rocket and its payload, the ALOS-3 satellite.
Japan considers a stable and commercially competitive space transport capability crucial for its space program and national security. JAXA and its primary contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), have been developing the H3 as a successor to the current H-2A rocket, which is set to retire after two more flights. MHI aims to eventually take over H3 production and launches from JAXA, hoping to make it commercially viable by reducing launch costs by approximately half compared to the H-2A.