en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the H3 launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center.

This launch is of critical significance to Japan's space program. In December 2025, the launch of the H3 carrying a satellite ended in failure; while the first stage operated normally, the second-stage engine shut down prematurely, resulting in an incomplete mission.

This launch employed an experimental configuration. Instead of using solid rocket boosters, which typically provide initial thrust during flight, the H3 was equipped with three liquid engines on the first stage, compared to the standard configuration of two. This test aimed to verify the capabilities of different rocket configurations, expanding application options for future missions.

The H3 is currently Japan's largest liquid-fueled launch vehicle, measuring 63 meters in length and 5.2 meters in diameter, with a payload capacity ranging from 4 to 6.5 tons depending on the variant. Development of the project began in 2013, and the rocket is regarded as a key component of Japan's space program, intended to provide the country with more independent and competitive launch capabilities for satellites and other spacecraft.

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