Japan’s H2A Rocket Launches on Final Mission, Ushering in the H3 Era | WPN World People News

Japan’s flagship rocket, the H2A, was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in the early hours of June 29 (Taipei time), carrying the GOSAT-GW climate observation satellite into orbit. This marked the rocket’s 50th and final mission before retirement. Due to high operational costs, future space missions will transition entirely to the next-generation H3 rocket.

Developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the H2A is a two-stage liquid-fueled rocket, measuring 53 meters in length and weighing up to 289 metric tons at liftoff. Since its first launch in August 2001, it has carried a variety of satellites and probes, achieving 49 successes out of 50 launches, demonstrating a high level of reliability. However, with a launch cost of approximately 10 billion yen (around NT$2.05 billion) per mission, its entry into the international commercial launch market has been limited.

On this final mission, the H2A successfully deployed the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) into its designated orbit. The satellite is designed to monitor atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases. It features a high-performance microwave radiometer and includes two additional observation bands, which enhance the resolution of existing bands. This upgrade significantly improves the satellite’s ability to monitor snowfall and precipitation in high-latitude regions. In addition, it is equipped with a high-precision spectrometer for mapping greenhouse gas emissions, making it a valuable tool in climate change research.

Following the retirement of the H2A, it will be replaced by the H3, a new-generation launch vehicle that offers greater payload capacity and lower costs.