Japan's H3 Rocket Successfully Reaches Orbit in Second Test
Japan's flagship H3 rocket reached orbit and released two small observation satellites in a key second test following a failed debut launch last year, buoying hope for the country in the global space race.
Successful Launch and Satellite Release
Japan's H3 rocket blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on time Saturday morning, two days after its originally scheduled liftoff was delayed by bad weather.
The rocket successfully reached orbit at an altitude of about 670 kilometers (about 420 miles) and released two satellites, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said.
JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa expressed relief and announced the good results at a news conference.
Importance of the H3 Rocket
The H3 rocket’s main missions are to secure independent access to space and be competitive as international demand for satellite launches grows.
The successful launch is a significant step towards achieving that goal, according to Yamakawa.
Japan's space program has recently experienced a streak of successes, including a historic precision touchdown on the moon.
Relief and Hope for Japan's Space Program
The liftoff of the H3 rocket was closely watched as a test for Japan's space development, following its failed debut flight last year.
Project members at the JAXA command center expressed their joy and relief as the rocket successfully released its payload.
The H3 No. 2 rocket was adorned with thousands of stickers carrying messages from well-wishers around the country.
