JAPAN’S NEW ROCKET FAILS ON DEBUT LAUNCH IN BLOW TO SPACE AMBITIONS

Tue 07 March 2023:

The second-stage engine of Japan’s next-generation H3 rocket appears to have failed, causing the rocket to self-destruct shortly after launch.

An observation satellite was to be launched during the mission. The rocket has been considered to be a possible rival to SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

After the rocket failed to depart the launchpad in an earlier attempt in February, this is the second H3 failure for Japan’s space agency, Jaxa.

Tuesday’s launch from the Tanegashima space centre in south-western Japan initially appeared to be a success, with the rocket lifting off and the first stage separation appearing to go as planned. Soon after though, signs of trouble emerged.

“It seems that the velocity is coming down,” announcers on the Jaxa live feed said, with the command centre then announcing: “The second stage engine ignition has not been confirmed yet, we continue to confirm the situation.”

The live feed was then briefly halted, with a message reading “We are currently checking the status. Please wait.” When it resumed, the command centre announced that it had sent a self-destruct signal to the rocket after an engine failure. There was no immediate explanation for the failure.

The H3 was carrying the ALOS-3, a disaster management land observation satellite also equipped with an experimental infrared sensor to detect North Korean ballistic missile launches.

The H3 is a satellite launch vehicle intended to carry both government and commercial satellites into orbit. It is powered by a new, more affordable engine that uses 3D-printed components. Additionally, supplies are supposed to be transported there by it.

It is intended to eventually transport cargo to the Gateway lunar space station that NASA plans to build as part of its programme to return people to the moon, including Japanese astronauts, as part of Japan’s deepening cooperation with the US in space.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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