Japan sets third launch attempt of next-gen rocket for February

Japan’s space company introduced Thursday it can launch its next-generation H3 rocket in February after two failed makes an attempt early this yr.

The rocket, billed as a versatile and cost-effective new flagship, is scheduled to elevate off between 9:22 am and 1:06 pm (0022 and 0406 GMT) on February 15 from the southern island of Tanegashima, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Company (JAXA) mentioned in a press launch.

The third launch try comes after the spacecraft was compelled to self-destruct in March when the command middle concluded its mission couldn’t succeed.

A primary tried launch in February, already delayed by a number of years, failed when the stable rocket boosters didn’t ignite.

Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 is the successor to the H-IIA launch system, which debuted in 2001.

Following the earlier failures, the rocket will now carry an instrument to verify rocket efficiency, together with two small secondary satellites.

Japan succeeded in placing its SLIM space probe—nicknamed the “Moon Sniper”—into the moon’s orbit this week, however the nation has been affected by a collection of space failures.

Final yr, the usually dependable solid-fuel Epsilon rocket self-destructed after detecting hassle.

And in July, a check of an Epsilon S rocket, an improved model of the Epsilon, led to an explosion 50 seconds after ignition.

© 2023 AFP