Japan launches a rocket and destroys them due to failure in the 2nd phase

Japan’s space agency deliberately destroyed a new H3 rocket shortly after launch on Tuesday following a second-stage ignition failure. The model was part of the country’s first series of rockets for more than two decades.

Three weeks after a canceled launch due to a different issue, the H3 failure was a setback for Japan’s special program, and possibly its missile detection program, as well as a disappointment for fans of space looking at Tuesday’s retry.

The rocket carried an advanced Earth observation satellite, primarily responsible for observing the Earth and collecting data for disaster response and mapping, as well as an experimental infrared sensor developed by the Department of Defense that can monitor military activities such as missile launches.

The white-nosed H3 rocket blasted off into blue skies from Tanegashima Space Center in central Japan to cheers from local residents and fans. It followed its planned trajectory and the second stage separated as expected, but did not ignite, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) explained.

JAXA said it activated a command to destroy the rocket because there was no hope it could accomplish its mission. Authorities were investigating the cause of the failure and hoped to present their first indications at a press conference later on Tuesday.

It was the second accident in six months, after a small solid-fuel Epsilon series rocket, designed to launch science satellites, failed in October.

The launch of the H3 had been delayed for over two years due to a delay in engine development. During a February launch attempt, an electrical problem after the main engine fired forced the operation to be suspended just before it began and narrowly saved the rocket.

The H3 rocket, the first new series in Japan for more than 22 years, was developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at a cost of 200 billion yen ($1.47 billion) as a successor to the Japanese H rocket. -2A, who is expected to retire. shortly after his 50th throw.

The H3 is approximately 60 meters (196 ft) long and can carry larger payloads than the 53-meter (174 ft) H-2A. But its launch cost has been roughly halved to around 50 million yen ($368,000) by simplifying its design, manufacture and operation in a bid to win more customers for commercial launches. The hydrogen main engine is a new design and uses fewer parts by changing the combustion method.

The space launch business has become increasingly competitive, with big rivals like SpaceX and Arianespace.