Japan to Launch Upgraded Satellite Imaging System with New Rocket
Japan's space agency, JAXA, announced plans to launch a major upgrade to its satellite imaging system. This coincides with the third test launch of the new H3 rocket, scheduled for June 30th from the Tanegashima Space Center.
The H3 rocket will carry the Advanced Land Observation Satellite, ALOS-4, designed for Earth observation and data collection. This data will be used for disaster response, mapmaking, and monitoring military activity, including missile launches. The ALOS-4 is a successor to the current ALOS-2 and boasts a wider observation area.
This launch marks the H3's third attempt, following a failed debut in March 2023 and a successful launch on February 17th. The first attempt resulted in the destruction of the rocket and its payload, the ALOS-3 satellite, due to a second-stage engine failure. The successful second launch carried two commercially-developed observation microsatellites and an ALOS mockup.
JAXA and its contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), are developing the H3 as a successor to the H-2A rocket. MHI plans to take over H3 production and launches from JAXA, aiming for commercial viability. Japan views a stable and commercially competitive space transport capability as crucial for its space program and national security.
The H3 rocket, standing at 57 meters (187 feet), is designed to carry larger payloads than the H-2A at a significantly lower launch cost. This launch marks a significant step forward for Japan's space program, enhancing its Earth observation capabilities and advancing its space transportation technology.