Japan's space agency Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successful launched its new flagship rocket on 17 February 2024, the third time, H3 launch vehicle (H3TF2) after two previous failed attempts.

Science and Technology

Japan's space agency Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successful launched its new flagship rocket on 17 February 2024, the third time, H3 launch vehicle (H3TF2) after two previous failed attempts. The H3 rocket, billed as flexible and cost-effective by space agency JAXA, "was put into orbit", after the rocket launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan.


      With the new launch, Japan intends to replace the two-decade-old H-IIA which was set to retire after two more flights, with the newer and more cost-efficient model.

      Developed by JAXA and its primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket, almost 300ft long, can carry 6.5 metric ton payload into space and reduce the per-launch cost to as low as 5bn yen (£23m).

     

 

     


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