The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has decided to launch the nation’s new, mainstay, H3 rocket for the second time from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on February 15th.
The space agency has been investigating the cause of the first H3 rocket’s launch failure in March of last year and is implementing countermeasures.
The first H3 launch vehicle was deliberately destroyed in-flight after its second-stage engine failed to ignite due to excessive current generated in the electrical system of the engine. An expert panel from the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry compiled a report last October, which included countermeasures, such as the replacement of parts.
In November, JAXA announced the agency’s plan to launch a second H3 vehicle after implementing the countermeasures.
The launch date of February 15th was determined by H3 developers, including JAXA, after a close examination of preparations on site, according to government officials.
News source: The Japan News