Japan conducted the successful launch of its fourth H-3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center, effectively deploying the government's Kirameki-3 defense communications satellite into orbit. This launch, which took place at 3:48 p.m., was notable as it was the first time the H-3 rocket carried a geostationary satellite into space, a significant milestone in Japan's space exploration endeavors.
The H-3 rocket, developed through a collaboration between the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, serves as the successor to the larger H-2A rocket. The recent successful launches of the H-3 following an initial failure demonstrate Japan's advancements in space technology and its capability to deliver payloads into orbit accurately. The Defense Ministry will oversee the operation of the Kirameki-3 satellite, utilizing it for vital functions such as commanding and controlling Self-Defense Forces units and managing crucial communications.
The cost of developing and operating the Kirameki-3 satellite amounts to approximately 70 billion yen ($460 million), underscoring the substantial investment in Japan's space infrastructure. Positioned in a geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator to synchronize with Earth's rotation, the satellite will maintain a stationary appearance when viewed from the ground. To reach the geostationary orbit, the rocket first enters a long elliptical orbit, known as a geostationary transfer orbit, bridging the gap between the initial orbit near Earth and the targeted stationary orbit.
In the recent launch, while the separation altitude of the satellite from the rocket did not exhibit significant changes, the Kirameki-3 satellite accelerated to a higher speed using its own engines and fuel to enter an elliptical orbit. This strategic maneuver showcases the precise engineering and maneuvering capabilities of Japan's space technology, ensuring the successful placement of the satellite in its designated orbit for optimal functionality.