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Japan’s struggling flagship H3 rocket returns to flight with the debut of a low-cost variant
The mission used a new 30 configuration with triple LE-9 engines and no boosters, and six small satellites were believed to separate successfully.
- Japan's H3 rocket launched Friday from Tanegashima Space Center, successfully debuting the "30 configuration." variant with its second stage reaching targeted orbit, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency confirmed.
- This flight follows two previous failures—a March 2023 engine ignition issue and a December navigation satellite launch failure—making success crucial for Japan's flagship rocket replacing the H-2A.
- Equipped with triple liquid-fuel LE-9 engines and no boosters to reduce costs, the new "30 configuration." carried six small satellites developed by universities that JAXA reported successfully separated.
- JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries aim to make the H3 more cost-effective to compete with Elon Musk's SpaceX, as Japan views this stable transport capability as essential for national security.
- Developers hope to eventually launch the H3 six to eight times annually, while the program remains vital for Japanese space projects including a 2028 Mars mission despite Epsilon series delays.
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Take-off took place after a failed attempt in December due to engine failure (ANSA)
·Italy
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Associated Press News+10 Reposted by 10 other sources
Japan's struggling flagship H3 rocket returns to flight with the debut of a low-cost variant
Japan’s H3 rocket has returned to flight with the debut of its new low-cost variant. The H3 took off Friday from the Tanegashima Space Center on a southwestern Japanese island.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left11Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 32%
R 18%
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