Japan is set to enhance its space launch capabilities with a major upgrade to the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, where the fourth H3 rocket recently launched. The space agency, in collaboration with the science ministry, aims to finalize these upgrades by mid-2027 to eventually allow for more than six H3 rocket launches per year. This improvement effort is backed by a government allocation of 1.88 billion yen in the draft budget for fiscal 2025 and supplementary funding for fiscal 2024.
The planned upgrades will tackle current logistical limitations, such as the capacity of the liquid oxygen storage tanks which currently restricts the site to only one launch per fill-up. By increasing the number of these tanks from three to four, officials expect to shorten the intervals between launches. In addition, the expansion of the satellite assembly facilities—from two to three buildings—will permit simultaneous preparation and processing of multiple launch vehicles, including the adaptation of an existing H-2A assembly building for the H3 model.
Furthermore, enhancements in the manufacturing processes are on the horizon, with new instruments set to be introduced at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Tobishima plant to expedite the inspection of rocket components. These improvements not only aim to streamline the production timeline but also bolster Japan’s competitiveness in securing satellite launch orders from both domestic and international markets, ultimately positioning the country advantageously in the global space industry.