H3-22

H3 is a new generation of disposable strap-on launch vehicle jointly developed by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and JAXA to replace the retired H-IIA rocket and can launch a variety of satellite payloads. The H3 made its first flight on March 7, 2023, but the secondary engine failed to ignite and the launch mission failed. On February 17, 2024, H3 completed the return flight and the mission was successful.

One of the design goals of the H3 is to be used as a low-cost launch vehicle. In order to reduce costs, JAXA not only continues to promote the development of low-cost technologies, but also widely applies 3D printing manufacturing technology, and builds the H3 series into an extremely versatile launch vehicle family.

In order to further improve the launch service capability, JAXA will transform the large rocket assembly plant of Tanegashima Space Center, and build a new mobile launch platform to support the simultaneous preparation of two rockets, thus increasing the annual number of launches from 6 to more than 8, and realizing continuous launches with a minimum interval of two weeks. At the same time, with the continuous iteration of H3 rocket technology, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is expected to officially take over the operation right of launch business from JAXA during the 10th to 15th launches to enhance the international competitiveness of H3.