Japan's final H2A rocket successfully lifts off, ends 24-year career
A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on June 29, 2025. - Photo: Kyodo
TANEGASHIMA (Japan), June 29 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japan successfully launched its 50th and final H2A liquid-fuel rocket from a southwestern Japanese island on Sunday (June 29), drawing the curtain on the series' 24-year career in support of the country's space development programme, Kyodo News reported.
The H2A rocket, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, has been replaced as the country's mainstay space vehicle by the H3 rocket, which offers a lower launch service price.
The final H2A rocket, which blasted off from Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture at 1.33 am (local time), placed in orbit a government satellite for observing greenhouse gas levels and monitoring climate change.
The satellite separated from the rocket at an altitude of around 670 kilometres near the equator and deployed its solar panels, with its operation confirmed by JAXA.
"I was more nervous than ever about the launch and feel like I'm still dreaming. We achieved our long-cherished goal of a 98 per cent success rate," said Keiji Suzuki, a Mitsubishi Heavy official in charge of the rocket launch.
At a park near the Tanegashima Space Centre, around 1,300 people gathered early Sunday to watch the launch, cheering as the rocket ascended in the darkness.
"I was impressed by the loud sound and light. I'm excited to see the next H3 rocket," said 7-year-old Hikari Nagoe.
Since 2001, the H2A series has supported the country's aerospace exploration by sending satellites and probes into space, raising its reliability over time.
Its long career was rocky at times. The No. 6 rocket failed in 2003 when a booster did not separate, and the ground crew ordered its destruction. It was discovered later that a damaged jet nozzle was the cause of the breakdown.
It took one year and three months until the succeeding No. 7 flew successfully after alterations were made.
Sunday's launch was postponed by Mitsubishi Heavy from June 24 due to an equipment abnormality.
The H3 rocket, also developed by Mitsubishi Heavy and JAXA, is expected to help the country gain a foothold in the satellite-launch business that has become increasingly competitive with the rise of SpaceX in the United States.
The H3 rocket debuted in March 2023, but its maiden flight ended with a self-destruct order minutes after lift-off due to the failure of the second-stage engine to ignite. The succeeding launches, including the latest No. 5 in February, have been successful. - Bernama-Kyodo
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