Informed sources say the launch of Japan's mainstay next-generation H3 rocket has been postponed again.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are developing the H3 to replace the H2A, which is now in active service.
The first H3 was expected to be launched in fiscal 2021, which ends in March, after the initial launch schedule was postponed for a year to redesign its main engine.
Sources told NHK that the launch has been delayed again as additional engine work is needed.
The 63-meter long H3 rocket is bigger than the H2A rocket and its load capacity is about 1.3 times greater. Because it can carry heavier satellites, the H3 rocket is expected to be more competitive in the global launch business.
The H3 rocket is expected to place a new cargo spacecraft, now in development, into orbit around the moon, and to carry supplies to the space station.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are developing the H3 to replace the H2A, which is now in active service.
The first H3 was expected to be launched in fiscal 2021, which ends in March, after the initial launch schedule was postponed for a year to redesign its main engine.
Sources told NHK that the launch has been delayed again as additional engine work is needed.
The 63-meter long H3 rocket is bigger than the H2A rocket and its load capacity is about 1.3 times greater. Because it can carry heavier satellites, the H3 rocket is expected to be more competitive in the global launch business.
The H3 rocket is expected to place a new cargo spacecraft, now in development, into orbit around the moon, and to carry supplies to the space station.
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Summary
Japan's H3 rocket launch has been postponed for a second time, due to additional engine work needed. Developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a replacement for the active-service H2A rocket, the H3 is larger and boasts a greater load capacity, making it competitive in the global launch
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ID: 61e64e53-83a4-4c19-bffc-1c0835ed5dbd
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220118_12/
Date: Jan. 18, 2022
Created: 2022/01/18 14:21
Updated: 2025/12/09 18:11
Last Read: 2022/01/18 14:21