The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has confirmed that the eighth launch of the H3 rocket ended in failure due to an issue with the second stage engine. This mission, which aimed to deploy the Michibiki No. 5 satellite as part of Japan’s version of a global positioning system, took off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture shortly before 11 a.m. on Monday.
According to JAXA, the rocket experienced an early shutdown of its second stage engine, resulting in the satellite not reaching its intended orbit. The agency has initiated an investigation to determine the root cause of this problem.
This incident marks the second failure of the H3 rocket since its debut, as the first launch attempt in March 2023 also resulted in a malfunction. The latest launch had faced prior delays, initially scheduled for December 7 before being postponed due to a detected malfunction in the rocket’s equipment. A subsequent rescheduling to December 17 was also scrapped due to issues detected at the launch pad.
Despite these setbacks, JAXA remains committed to advancing its rocket and satellite technologies, and the agency’s investigations are aimed at ensuring future success for the H3 program. The challenges faced serve as crucial learning experiences in the realm of space exploration, reinforcing Japan’s determination to enhance its capabilities in aerospace technology.