Japan Successfully Launches Advanced Earth Observation Satellite on New Flagship H3 Rocket
- tech360.tv
- Jul 2, 2024
- 2 min read
Japan successfully deploys upgraded Earth observation satellite on new H3 rocket. ALOS-4 satellite to enhance disaster response, security, and mapping capabilities. Infrared sensor developed by Defense Ministry enables monitoring of military activity.
The H3 No. 3 rocket took off from the Tanegashima Space Center and released its payload, the Advanced Land Observation Satellite (ALOS-4), into a targeted orbit as planned.The launch is a significant milestone for Japan's access to space and international competitiveness.
The ALOS-4 satellite is intended for disaster response, security, and mapping purposes. Its primary mission will be to observe the Earth and collect data, such as monitoring volcanic and seismic activity, land movements, and military operations like missile launches. The satellite, which is equipped with a Defence Ministry-developed infrared sensor, will play a critical role in improving Japan's disaster response capabilities and overall security.
JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa praised the successful launch, calling it "a big first step" towards Japan's space objectives. He feels that the successive successful flights will assist to increase trust both domestically and globally.
JAXA's H3 Project Manager, Makoto Arita, described the mission as "almost a perfect success." The ALOS-4 is an update to its predecessor, the ALOS-2, with a larger observation range. Japan intends to operate both satellites continuously for the time being.
This is the third successful deployment of the H3 system, following the launch on February 17. It's a huge improvement over last year's botched debut mission, when the rocket and its planned payload, the ALOS-3 satellite, were destroyed.
Japan views a stable and commercially competitive space transportation capability as critical to its space programme and national security. JAXA and its major contractor, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), have been developing the H3 launch system, which will succeed the present H-2A. The H-2A is due to retire after two more flights, and MHI hopes to make the H3 commercially feasible by decreasing launch costs by around half.
Koji Shimura, H3 project manager at MHI's defence and space section, is confident in their capacity to enhance their track record and acquire client trust. The successful launch of the ALOS-4 satellite aboard the H3 rocket represents a significant advancement in Japan's space programme, improving its capabilities in Earth observation, disaster response, and national security.
Japan successfully deploys upgraded Earth observation satellite on new H3 rocket
ALOS-4 satellite to enhance disaster response, security, and mapping capabilities
Infrared sensor developed by Defense Ministry enables monitoring of military activity
Source: AP NEWS
