Japan successfully launched its new H3 rocket for the third time ever tonight, carrying the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 (ALOS-4) into orbit. The launch took place at the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan during a 13-minute window that opened at 11:06 p.m. EDT. The H3 rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is set to become Japan’s primary medium-lift rocket, replacing the H-2A.
The H3 rocket faced challenges during its development, leading to delays in its initial launch. The first test flight in 2023 was unsuccessful, with the upper-stage engine failing to ignite and resulting in the loss of the payload. However, the rocket successfully completed its second flight earlier this year, deploying a mass simulator and two Earth-observation satellites.
The ALOS-4 satellite, weighing 3 tons, is an advanced successor to Japan’s ALOS-2 satellite and will use synthetic aperture radar to study Earth. The satellite’s high resolution and broad observation swath will allow for day and night imaging regardless of weather conditions, making it ideal for monitoring disaster-hit areas, forests, and sea ice.
The successful launch of the H3 rocket and deployment of the ALOS-4 satellite mark a significant achievement for Japan’s space program. The satellite’s advanced capabilities will enhance Earth observation and monitoring efforts, contributing to disaster response and environmental conservation.
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