14.05.2026

JAXA: Preparations underway for H3 rocket launch on June 10 as planned

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency says preparations are underway to resume the launch of an H3 rocket on June 10 as planned, after addressing the cause of the previous mission's failure.

The launch of the eighth H3 rocket last December had failed due to a problem with the payload support structure.

JAXA's project manager, Arita Makoto, spoke at a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday. He said that the payload support structure has been corrected and tested to confirm it can withstand its load.

JAXA says the 6th H3 rocket that will be launched next month is a new "Type 30" test vehicle that does not use boosters. It will be carrying metal structures instead of a satellite.

Adapters will be attached to the structures to mount six ultra-small satellites developed by the Institute of Science Tokyo, Shizuoka University, a company in Tochigi Prefecture, and other entities.

Arita said the mission will be more difficult than before because the team is making a comeback from a failed launch and also aiming to validate the new type of test vehicle that does not use boosters.

The project manager said he believes there will be no future for H3 rockets unless he and his team overcome this challenge.

Quelle: NHK