Japanese H3 rocket launch failed: full reasons and details
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) officially announced the failure of its eighth H-3 rocket launch, marking another setback for Japan's space program. The agency confirmed that the rocket, carrying the Michibiki-5 satellite, encountered a critical technical problem that prevented the mission from being completed.
Details of the technical malfunction in the H-3 missile
According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK, the rocket launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at 11:00 AM local time. Despite a smooth launch during the first stage, JAXA explained that the rocket's second-stage engine failed to burn prematurely, preventing the rocket from reaching the necessary speed and altitude to place the satellite into its designated orbit.
The importance of the "Michibi" satellite
The rocket was carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite, a vital component of the Japanese version of the Global Positioning System (GPS). This system, known as the Quasi-Azimuth Satellite System (QZSS), aims to enhance the accuracy of positioning services in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. These satellites are essential for modern technology applications such as autonomous vehicles, drones, and natural disaster management, making the loss of this satellite a significant material and technological setback.
The Japanese space program and current challenges
The H-3 rocket is Japan's next-generation launch vehicle, developed to replace the reliable H-IIA. Japan aims to reduce the cost of access to space and increase its competitiveness in the global commercial launch market, which is dominated by companies like SpaceX. However, this failure, the second for the H-3 after a launch failure in March 2023, puts additional pressure on engineers at JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the rocket's manufacturer.
Impact of the accident on space ambitions
The agency indicated that a special committee will be formed to thoroughly investigate the cause of the technical problem with the second-stage engine. This incident comes at a time when Japan is striving to enhance its military and civilian space capabilities amidst intense regional and international competition. This delay is expected to lead to a review of future launch schedules to ensure the reliability of the rocket system before any new missions are undertaken, thus preserving Japan's reputation as a leading nation in space technology.
