Japan's space agency, JAXA, has delayed the launch of its H3 rocket to Monday due to adverse weather conditions. Originally scheduled for Sunday, the rocket was supposed to carry the ALOS-4 satellite designed for Earth observation.
The postponement was attributed to expected rain and thunderstorms on Saturday night, which would have affected the rocket's transportation to the Tanegashima Space Centre launch site.
The ALOS-4 satellite, aimed at enhancing Earth observation capabilities, disaster response, and military monitoring, marks the H3 rocket's third launch attempt. It follows a successful mission in February and a previous failed debut a year ago, where the rocket had to be destroyed along with its payload intended for ALOS-3.
Japan views establishing a reliable and commercially competitive space transport capability as crucial for its space program and national security objectives.
JAXA, in collaboration with its primary contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), has been developing the H3 rocket to succeed the H-2A, which is slated for retirement after two more flights. MHI aims to take over production and launches of the H3, with plans to significantly reduce launch costs to half of those associated with the H-2A, thereby enhancing commercial viability.
Over the next 20 years, JAXA plans to launch six satellites annually as countries vie for a share of the growing aerospace market. Cost has long been a primary concern. The H2-A, with a similar payload capacity, used to cost $90 million per launch, more than SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launcher at $67 million. JAXA estimates that launching the H3 will cost $50 million per launch.
The commercial satellite industry generated $386 billion in 2021 and continues to expand, according to the Satellite Industry Association. Rockets with high payload capacities represent only a small fraction of the global space economy.
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