On early Monday, Japan successfully launched the Kirameki 3 communications satellite for defense purposes, marking the fourth flight of the H3 rocket. The launch took place at 1:48 a.m. Eastern (0648 UTC) on November 4, from the Tanegashima Space Center, amidst thick clouds and rain.
Launch Details
The classified Kirameki 3 satellite was deployed approximately 29 minutes into the flight, signaling a successful mission. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) concluded its live webcast shortly after the deployment, with applause echoing from mission control. The satellite is now en route to its intended geostationary orbit.
About the H3 Rocket
The two-stage H3 rocket is designed to succeed the H-2A rocket, which has one flight remaining. As Japan’s primary launch vehicle for both civilian and military missions, the H3 will support exploration initiatives and ISS resupply missions using the HTV-X cargo spacecraft.
The H3 rocket comes in several configurations: one without solid rocket boosters and two variants with either two or four solid rocket boosters (SRBs) for higher payload capacities. The two booster configurations can also accommodate an elongated payload fairing.
Competitive Launch Capabilities
Designed to be cost-effective, the H3 rocket aims to compete in the international commercial launch market. Its inaugural launch in March 2023 faced challenges, including a second-stage engine failure that resulted in a destruct command being issued to eliminate the stage and its ALOS-3 payload.
Recently, the H3 rocket received renewed attention with the announcement that it will launch the Emirati asteroid mission planned for 2028. Additionally, Eutelsat signed a contract in September to utilize multiple H3 rockets starting in 2027.
Recent Missions and Future Plans
Monday’s launch follows the successful deployment of the ALOS-4 advanced Earth observation satellite on the third H3 rocket four months prior. This mission marks Japan’s sixth launch in 2024, following the deployment of the IGS Radar 8 satellite aboard the final H-2A rocket in September.
In parallel, the privately developed Kairos rocket from Space One exploded seconds after liftoff in March, with plans for a second flight targeting late December 13. Other notable Japanese space activities include the Active Debris Removal mission by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) launched on a Falcon 9 in February, as well as the launch of StriX radar satellites for Synspective using Rocket Lab Electron rockets. Additionally, a Falcon 9 successfully launched the joint ESA-JAXA EarthCARE mission, while ispace’s second lunar lander is scheduled for a December launch aboard a Falcon 9.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the Kirameki 3 satellite emphasizes Japan’s growing capabilities in space exploration and defense. With the H3 rocket now operational, Japan is poised to enhance its position in both commercial and governmental space missions in the coming years.
