Japan's Final H-2A Rocket Launch

Context: Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW (Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle) aboard the H-2A rocket, marking the 50th and final flight of the H-2A, which has been Japan’s primary launch vehicle since 2001.

Key Highlights:

• Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Centre, southwestern Japan

• Operator: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)

• Satellite Purpose:

  • Monitor carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases

  • Provide high-resolution global data on sea surface temperatures and precipitation

  • Data to be shared with agencies like the U.S. NOAA within a year

H-2A Rocket Overview:

• In service since 2001 with 49 successful missions out of 50 (only failure in 2003)

• Carried notable missions like SLIM (moon lander) and Hayabusa2 (asteroid probe)

• Operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries since 2007

Transition to Next-Gen Rockets:

• H-2A now retired, replaced by:

  • H3: Larger payload capacity, half the launch cost, aimed at global market competitiveness

  • Epsilon: Smaller rocket under development by IHI for diverse missions

• The H3 rocket, despite a failed debut in 2023, has since achieved four consecutive successful launches

Strategic Importance:

• Japan is strengthening its commercial launch capabilities for space and national security

• Focus on cost efficiency, payload flexibility, and securing a place in the growing global satellite launch market