Defence Launch of the X-band defence communications satellite "Kirameki-3" and the H3 rocket No. 4

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Live broadcast of the launch of the X-band defence communications satellite "Kirameki-3" and the H3 rocket No. 4



The live coverage of the launch of the 4th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F4: Flight No.4) with X-band defence communication satellite-3 onboard from Tanegashima Space Center.

Broadcast Schedule: November 4, 2024, around 15:20
Launch Time: 15:48-17:16 (JST)
Location: Tanegashima Space Center
Broadcast Start: around 3:20 p.m. (JST) / 6:20 a.m. (UTC) on Nov 4
Launch Window: 15:48-17:16 (JST)
Launch Site: JAXA Tanegashima Space Center

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

観測ロケットS-520-34号機打上げ / Sounding rocket S-520-F34 Launch live streaming



The launch of the S-520-34 observation rocket, scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11:30 to 12:30, will be broadcast live from IHI Spaceport Uchinoura (Miyahara Rocket Observation Area).

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

A new supply aircraft, the successor of the "Kounotori," was unveiled for the first time.



Mitsubishi Electric has unveiled the first prototype of its new unmanned supply vessel, "HTV-X," designed to transport cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). Scheduled for launch in fiscal year 2025 aboard an H3 rocket, the HTV-X will deliver supplies to the ISS and conduct in-orbit demonstrations such as data collection and small satellite deployment. As a successor to the retired "H-II Transfer Vehicle" (HTV), it is expected to play a role in future international lunar exploration missions like the Artemis program.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

The live coverage of the launch of the 5th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F5: Flight No.5) carrying MICHIBIKI No. 6, a Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-6), will be streamed live from the Tanegashima Space Center.

Broadcast Start: Around 4:50 p.m. (JST) / 7:50 a.m. (UTC) on Feb 2
Launch Window: 17:30–19:30 (JST)
Launch Site: JAXA Tanegashima Space Center

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Launch of New unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft1（HTV-X1） aboard the 7th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F7)

JAXA will livestream the launch of the new unmanned cargo transfer spacecraft HTV-X1 aboard the 7th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F7). Broadcast Start Time: October 26, 2025, around 08:05 JST Launch Time: October 26, 2025, at 09:00:15 JST Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Yoshinobu Launch Complex All times are in Japan Standard Time (24-hour format). The program will feature an overview of the HTV-X1 and H3 rocket missions, highlight key points of interest, and trace the journey leading up to launch. Messages from viewers will also be shared as we witness the departure of HTV-X1 on its mission to the International Space Station (ISS). HTV-X1 is a next-generation cargo spacecraft developed by JAXA, evolving from the previous "Kounotori" series. It offers improved transport efficiency and incorporates technologies aimed at supporting future exploration missions

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Japan successfully launched the H3 Rocket No. 6 from the Tanegashima Space Center on June 12, 2026. The mission successfully deployed six small satellites into orbit and marked an important milestone for Japan's space program.


Why Was This Launch Important?
The launch was significant for two reasons:
It was the first flight after a major failure six months earlier.
It was the debut of a new H3 configuration known as the "H3-30."
The success helped restore confidence in Japan's next-generation launch vehicle.
What Is the H3-30 Configuration?
The H3 rocket comes in several versions depending on mission requirements.

In the designation H3-30:
3 means the first stage uses three LE-9 main engines.
0 means it uses no solid rocket boosters.
Unlike previous H3 launches, which relied on additional boosters for extra thrust, the H3-30 flies using only its main engines.
This configuration is designed for lighter payloads and lower launch costs.

Why Is Lower Cost Important?
The global launch market is highly competitive. Companies such as SpaceX have significantly reduced launch prices.
By offering a simpler and less expensive rocket configuration, Japan hopes to attract:
Commercial satellite operators
Universities
Research organizations
Small satellite companies
Lower launch costs make Japanese launch services more competitive internationally.
The Earlier Failure
The launch also represented a comeback after the failure of H3 Rocket No. 8 in late 2025.

Although the rocket lifted off successfully, a problem occurred during the mission that prevented its payload from reaching the intended orbit. As a result, engineers conducted investigations and implemented corrective measures before returning the H3 to flight.

The success of No. 6 demonstrated that those improvements were effective.

Japan's Long-Term Goals
The H3 was developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the successor to the H-IIA Launch Vehicle.

Its goals include:
Reducing launch costs
Increasing launch frequency
Strengthening Japan's independent access to space
Competing in the global commercial launch market
In Summary

The successful launch of H3 Rocket No. 6 was more than just another satellite mission. It was both a return-to-flight mission after a setback and the first demonstration of the new low-cost H3-30 variant. The success is an important step toward improving the reliability and international competitiveness of Japan's space launch capabilities.

 

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

H3 Rocket No. 6 Launched Carrying Kyutech-Developed Ultra-Small Satellite "VERTECS"; Watchers Gather in Kitakyushu City

The H3 Rocket No. 6 was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center, carrying the ultra-small satellite "VERTECS" developed by the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech). In Kitakyushu City, where Kyutech is located, about 130 students and researchers gathered for a public viewing event to watch the launch broadcast. They erupted in applause the moment the rocket lifted off. "VERTECS," a micro-satellite equipped with a telescope, was safely separated and placed into Earth's orbit, where it will spend over a year observing space to help unravel the history of cosmic history and galaxy formation.