Japan's space agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are optimistic about the prospects of their new H3 rocket following its successful maiden flight last month. The H3 is positioned as a successor to the H-2A rocket, which, while boasting a high success rate, struggled with high launch costs that hindered its competitiveness in the global market.
The H3 rocket project manager outlined plans for at least six launches annually to cater to the increasing demand for communication, observation, and security satellites. With the commercial space market experiencing a surge in demand and a shortage of rockets, there is a clear opportunity for the H3 to establish itself as a viable alternative to industry leader Space X.
After a failed debut launch last year, the H3 rocket successfully achieved orbit and deployed two small observation satellites on February 17. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is set to take over production and launch operations for the H3, aiming to enhance its commercial viability.
The H3 rocket, with a length of 57 meters, is designed to accommodate larger payloads at approximately half the launch cost of its predecessor, making it more competitive on a global scale. While the current price point is still considered high, MHI officials are optimistic that cost competitiveness will improve after a series of successful launches.
Aside from cost considerations, the H3 team is focusing on providing flexible launch schedules and meeting clients' specific requirements to enhance their competitive edge in the market. Recent achievements, such as the successful launch of a spy satellite using the H-2A rocket and the world's first 'pinpoint' moon landing by JAXA's unmanned spacecraft SLIM, underscore Japan's commitment to advancing its space capabilities.
