Japan has launched a H3 rocket – a year after its first had to be destroyed due to an engine issue.
The rocket lifted-off from a space station in southwestern Japan in the early hours of Saturday. It reached its planned trajectory before releasing two payloads in a second test.
It will give the country hope it can stay competitive in the global space race.
The rocket was successfully launched from a pad at the Tanegashima Space Center. The event was originally due to take place earlier in the week but was scrapped due to adverse weather conditions.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, is expected to release more information about the launch throughout the day. It did however say the primary goal of the launch was for the craft to reach its desired trajectory.
It marks a big moment for Japan after last year’s H3 had to be destroyed. The rocket, along with a advanced observation satellite, were exploded after a second-stage engine failed to properly ignite.
However, JAXA and its main contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have worked to identify any possible electrical issues. It also carried a mock-up of the satellite as a safety precaution.
The H3 rocket is designed to carry larger loads than its predecessor the H-2A. The older rocket is set to be retired in just two flights’ time.
The H3 is also said to have a much lower cost to remain global competitors in space travel.
The succesful launch marks a string of successes for JAXA, which last month carried out the first “pinpoint” moon landing. It captured data using an unmanned spacecraft launched from a H-2A rocket.
A H-2A had previously launched a spy satellite into orbit.
