TOKYO. Japan has successfully launched an upgraded Earth observation satellite for disaster response and security using its new flagship H3 rocket. The launch took place on Monday from the Tanegashima Space Center, located on a southwestern Japanese island.
The H3 No. 3 rocket lifted off and released its payload approximately 16 minutes later, placing it into the targeted orbit as planned, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) during a livestream.
The satellite, named the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS-4), is designed for Earth observation and data collection for disaster response, mapmaking, and monitoring volcanic and seismic activity. It is also equipped with an infrared sensor developed by the Defense Ministry, capable of monitoring military activities such as missile launches.
JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa hailed the successful launch as “a big first step” towards securing Japan’s access to space and enhancing international competitiveness. “I believe the two successful flights in a row would help gain trust from in and outside the country.”
Makoto Arita, JAXA’s H3 Project Manager, described the mission as “almost a perfect success.”
ALOS-4, which can observe a much wider area than its predecessor ALOS-2, will be operated alongside the older satellite for the time being.
This launch marks the third flight of the H3 system, following a successful launch on February 17 and a failed debut flight a year earlier, during which the rocket had to be destroyed along with its payload, the ALOS-3 satellite.
Japan views a stable and commercially competitive space transport capability as crucial to its space program and national security. JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the main contractor, have been developing the H3 launch system to succeed the current H-2A, which is scheduled to retire after two more flights. MHI plans to take over H3 production and launches from JAXA and aims to make it commercially viable by reducing the launch cost to about half that of the H-2A.
“We will continue to improve our success record and gain trust from our customers,” said Koji Shimura, H3 project manager at MHI’s defense and space segment.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
