Japan successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite on Sunday using its flagship H-2A rocket, marking the rocket's final flight before Japan introduces a new flagship model to enhance its cost competitiveness in the global space industry.

The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the GOSAT-GW satellite as part of Tokyo's efforts to mitigate climate change. About 16 minutes later, the satellite safely separated from the rocket and was placed into its designated orbit.

Scientists and space officials in the control room exchanged hugs and handshakes to celebrate the successful launch. The liftoff had been delayed for several days due to a malfunction in the rocket’s electrical system.

Keiji Suzuki, an official overseeing rocket launch operations at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said he was more nervous for the rocket's final mission than ever before, as it had been the focus of his entire career. "I've spent my life trying to prevent the H-2A rocket from crashing… I can only say I'm relieved."

Sunday's launch marked the 50th and final flight of the H-2A rocket. Since its debut in 2001, H-2A has been Japan's main rocket for sending satellites and probes into space, maintaining an almost perfect record. After H-2A's retirement, the H-3 rocket—already in service—will fully take over as Japan's new flagship launcher.

Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), said at a press conference: "This is an incredibly emotional moment for all of us developers at JAXA."

GOSAT-GW, or the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle, is the third in the series of satellites aimed at monitoring carbon, methane, and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Officials said that within a year, it will begin distributing higher-resolution data—including sea surface temperatures and precipitation—to global users such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Developed by JAXA, the H-2A liquid-fueled rocket is equipped with two solid rocket boosters. It has flown 49 times with a 98% success rate, with only one failure occurring in 2003. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has been responsible for its launches since 2007.

The H-2A successfully delivered multiple satellites and probes into space, including Japan's SLIM lunar lander last year and the Hayabusa2 spacecraft launched in 2014, which reached a distant asteroid and contributed significantly to Japan's space program.

Suzuki said the completion of the H-2A program allows him to devote more resources to further developing the H3.

Japan views stable and commercially competitive space transportation capabilities as essential for its space program and national security. It has been developing two new flagship rockets as successors to the H-2A series: the larger H3 rocket, in collaboration with Mitsubishi, and the much smaller Epsilon system, developed with the aerospace division of heavy machinery manufacturer IHI. Japan aims to meet diverse customer needs and strengthen its position in the growing satellite launch market.

The H3 is designed to carry a larger payload than the H-2A at roughly half the launch cost, giving it global competitiveness. However, officials say further cost reductions are needed to achieve better price competitiveness internationally.

After its first launch attempt failed in 2023—destroying the rocket and its payload—the H3 has since achieved four consecutive successful flights.