Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3. The&nbsp;achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure.

<h2>Building on recent success: SLIM moon landing</h2>

Just last month, Japan celebrated the historic "pinpoint" moon landing of its SLIM spacecraft, further solidifying its presence in space exploration.

The success of the H3 launch adds another feather to Japan's cap, showcasing its growing expertise and capabilities in space missions.

Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is positioned to replace the ageing H-IIA.

With lower costs and increased payload capacity, the H3 aims to attract launch orders from international clients.

Also watch |&nbsp;Japan no longer third-largest economy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-no-longer-third-largest-economy-690436/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2>Successful liftoff and operational milestones</h2>

The H3 rocket lifted off at 9:22 am&nbsp;Tokyo time, with JAXA confirming its successful liftoff and proper functioning of its engines, reported Reuters.

This achievement was met with jubilation at the Tanegashima Space Center, as scientists rejoiced in the culmination of their efforts. The rocket's mission includes the release of micro-satellites and a dummy satellite.

The success of this launch comes after the setback of the H3's first flight, which ended prematurely due to technical issues. JAXA's thorough review identified potential electrical faults but was unable to pinpoint the exact cause.

With its ability to carry a 6.5 metric tonne payload and lower per-launch costs, the H3 is poised to play a crucial role in Japan's future space missions.

Plans include launching satellites and probes, collaborating on lunar exploration projects with India and the United States, and supporting initiatives such as the Artemis moon exploration programme.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/japan-slips-into-recession-economy-shrinks-in-the-last-three-months-of-2023-690388">Also read |&nbsp;Japan slips into recession, overtaken by Germany as third largest economy</a>

Japan's space ambitions coincide with a competitive landscape, with the emergence of commercial players like SpaceX and new rockets from established entities like the United Launch Alliance and the European Space Agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3.

Japan's space agency achieved a significant milestone on Saturday (Feb 17) with the successful launch of the second test model of its latest flagship rocket, the H3. The achievement comes as a welcome boost to Japan's space endeavours following the setback of last year's inaugural flight failure. Building on recent success: SLIM moon landing Just last month, Japan celebrated the historic "pinpoint" moon landing of its SLIM spacecraft, further solidifying its presence in space exploration. The success of the H3 launch adds another feather to Japan's cap, showcasing its growing expertise and capabilities in space missions. Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 rocket is positioned to replace the ageing H-IIA. With lower costs and increased payload capacity, the H3 aims to attract launch orders from international clients. Also watch | Japan no longer third-largest economy Successful liftoff and operational milestones The H3 rocket lifted off at 9:22 am Tokyo time, with JAXA confirming its successful liftoff and proper functioning of its engines, reported Reuters. This achievement was met with jubilation at the Tanegashima Space Center, as scientists rejoiced in the culmination of their efforts. The rocket's mission includes the release of micro-satellites and a dummy satellite. The success of this launch comes after the setback of the H3's first flight, which ended prematurely due to technical issues. JAXA's thorough review identified potential electrical faults but was unable to pinpoint the exact cause. With its ability to carry a 6.5 metric tonne payload and lower per-launch costs, the H3 is poised to play a crucial role in Japan's future space missions. Plans include launching satellites and probes, collaborating on lunar exploration projects with India and the United States, and supporting initiatives such as the Artemis moon exploration programme. Also read | Japan slips into recession, overtaken by Germany as third largest economy Japan's space ambitions coincide with a competitive landscape, with the emergence of commercial players like SpaceX and new rockets from established entities like the United Launch Alliance and the European Space Agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan successfully launches new H3 rocket following setback last year

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. &nbsp;

The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. &nbsp;

Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). &nbsp;

It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-artemis-1-moon-mission-postponed-439150" hreflang="en">NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed</a>

The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. &nbsp;

“The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
✅ Rollout complete! 
 
The James Webb Space Telescope and the <a href="https://twitter.com/ariane5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ariane5</a> rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnfoldTheUniverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnfoldTheUniverse</a>: <a href="https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW">https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW</a> 
 
📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls <a href="https://t.co/kkk4JDd5tu">pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu</a>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1474083585216892939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-170-rogue-planets-439445" hreflang="en">Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets</a>

It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. &nbsp;&nbsp;

If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it.

Finally, NASA's next-generation James Webb Space Telescope has reached the launch pad. The launch of the telescope had witnessed several hiccups in the past. It has taken over two decades to develop it. Due to launch on Saturday, the $10 billion telescope will blast off from Kourou, French Guiana. The launch has a 32-minute window, which opens at 7.20 am EST (1220 GMT). It will be put into space on an Ariane 5 rocket, which is being operated by European launch provider Arianespace. Also Read: NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed The launch’s live coverage will be provided on NASA’s website. “The James Webb Space Telescope and the Ariane 5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth,” NASA announced on Twitter. ✅ Rollout complete! The James Webb Space Telescope and the @ariane5 rocket it’s riding on are all settled in their final position on Earth. Next step: launch on Dec. 25 at 7:20 am ET (12:20 UTC) to #UnfoldTheUniverse: https://t.co/ip2P4oAxJW 📸: NASA/Bill Ingalls pic.twitter.com/kkk4JDd5tu — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) December 23, 2021 × According to the agency, the Ariane 5 rocket topped by the long-awaited space telescope rolled out from Arianespace's final assembly building at about 11 am EST (1600 GMT). The rocket had also arrived by 1 pm EST (1800 GMT). Also Read: Scientists find 170 'rogue' planets It is considered to be the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. If the rocket is not able to get launched on Saturday, opportunities will continue almost daily till the end of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off

liftoff

Liftoff, News on Liftoff, stories on Liftoff, articles on Liftoff, Liftoff stories at Wion, Liftoff news, Liftoff latest news