Japan Aims for More Frequent H3 Rocket Launches
Japan's space agency, JAXA, has ambitious plans to increase the launch frequency of its flagship H3 rocket. The agency aims to conduct at least seven launches annually from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, with the goal of achieving one-month intervals between launches.
To achieve this ambitious goal, JAXA is investing in upgrades at the Tanegashima Space Center. The government has allocated 1.88 billion yen ($12 million) in its draft budget for fiscal 2025 and supplementary budget for fiscal 2024 to cover these upgrades.
The upgrades include increasing the number of liquid oxygen storage tanks from three to four, allowing for more frequent launches. Additionally, the number of assembly buildings for satellites will be increased from two to three, enabling concurrent work on multiple rockets. An existing assembly building for H-2A rockets will also be converted for H3 use.
Furthermore, JAXA plans to introduce X-ray instruments at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' Tobishima plant to expedite the rocket manufacturing process. These upgrades are expected to be completed by the first half of fiscal 2027.
By increasing the launch frequency, JAXA hopes to attract more orders for satellite launches using H3 rockets. This will strengthen Japan's international competitiveness in the space industry.
"Shorter launch intervals will allow lift-offs to be scheduled more flexibly, which will give us more advantage in getting orders," said an official with the science ministry's Space Development and Utilization Division. "That will be essential for strengthening our international competitiveness.