Wikipedia

H3 (rocket)

The H3 rocket is a Japanese expendable launch system developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI). It is designed as the successor to the H-IIA and H-IIB rockets, with an emphasis on reducing launch costs through the use of the lower-cost LE-9 main engine. The H3 features a modular design with two or three first-stage engines and zero, two, or four solid rocket boosters, allowing it to accommodate a variety of payload sizes. Development began in 2013, and the first flight took place in March 2023; the launch ended in failure when the second-stage engine did not ignite. The first successful test flight occurred in February 2024.

H3
Launch of a H3 rocket carrying the QZS-6 satellite on 2 February 2025
FunctionMedium-lift launch vehicle
ManufacturerMitsubishi Heavy Industries
Country of originJapan
Cost per launchUS$50 million for H3‑30S[1]
Size
Height63 m (207 ft)[2]
Diameter5.27 m (17.3 ft)[2]
Mass574,000 kg (1,265,000 lb) for H3‑24L[3]
Stages2
Capacity
Payload to SSO
Mass4,000 kg (8,800 lb) for H3‑30[2]
Payload to GTO
Mass4,000–7,900 kg (8,800–17,400 lb) for H3‑24[2][4]
Associated rockets
FamilyH-II family
Based onH-IIA · H-IIB
Comparable
Launch history
StatusActive
Launch sitesTanegashima, LA-Y2
Total launches5
Success(es)4
Failure(s)1
First flight7 March 2023
Last flight2 February 2025
Carries passengers or cargo
Boosters – SRB-3
No. boosters0, 2 or 4
Maximum thrust2,158 kN (485,000 lbf) each[3]
Total thrust4,316 or 8,632 kN (970,000 or 1,941,000 lbf)
Specific impulse283.6 s (2.781 km/s)[5]
Burn time116 seconds[5]
First stage
Powered by2 or 3 × LE-9
Maximum thrust2,944 or 4,416 kN (662,000 or 993,000 lbf)[3]
Specific impulse425 s (4.17 km/s)
PropellantLOX / LH2
Second stage
Powered by1 × LE-5B-3[3]
Maximum thrust137 kN (31,000 lbf)
Specific impulse448 s (4.39 km/s)
PropellantLOX / LH2
[edit on Wikidata]

Development

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MHI oversaw development and leads final assembly of the H3 and its liquid-fuel engines. IHI Corporation produces the liquid-fuel engine turbopumps and solid-fuel boosters, Kawasaki Heavy Industries builds the S and L-type payload fairings, and Toray Industries supplies the carbon fiber and synthetic resin used in the booster motor cases and fairings.[6][7][8] Beyond Gravity manufactures the W-type fairing based on its standard 5.4-metre-wide (18 ft) design.[9]

The Japanese government authorized development of the H3 on 17 May 2013.[10] The vehicle is being jointly developed by JAXA and MHI to support a wide range of commercial satellite launches. Compared with the H-IIA, the H3 was designed with simpler, lower-cost engines to reduce manufacturing time, technical risk, and overall expense. JAXA and MHI were responsible for preliminary design work, ground facility readiness, new technology development, and manufacturing. Cost reduction was the primary design goal, with launch prices projected at about US$37 million.[11]

As of 2015, the first H3 launch was planned for Japanese fiscal year (JFY) 2020 in the H3-30 configuration, which lacks solid rocket boosters, followed by a booster-equipped version in JFY21.[12][2]

The newly developed LE-9 engine was the key to cost reduction, improved safety, and higher thrust. The engine employs an expander bleed cycle, a combustion method previously used on the upper-stage LE-5 engine, and never before used on a first-stage.[13] While such cycles typically cannot produce high thrust, the LE-9 was designed to reach 1,471 kN (331,000 lbf), making its development one of the most significant challenges of the program.[14]

Ground tests of the LE-9 began in April 2017,[15] and the first solid rocket booster tests were conducted in August 2018.[16]

On 21 January 2022, the first H3 launch was postponed to JFY22 or later due to technical issues with the LE-9 engine.[17]

The first launch attempt on 17 February 2023 was aborted just before ignition of the SRB-3 boosters, although the main engines had successfully ignited.[18][19][20] The second launch attempt occurred on 7 March 2023 at 01:37:55 UTC. Approximately five minutes and twenty-seven seconds after launch, the second-stage engine failed to ignite. With the rocket unable to reach the required velocity, JAXA issued a self-destruct command 14 minutes and 50 seconds after launch, destroying the ALOS-3 satellite along with the launch vehicle.[21][22][23][24]

On 17 February 2024, JAXA successfully launched the second test rocket, configured as an H3‑22S. During this flight, the second stage reached the intended orbit, marking the first fully successful H3 launch.[25]

Vehicle description

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The H3 is a two-stage launch vehicle. The first stage uses two or three LE-9 engines fueled by 225 tonnes (496,000 lb) liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen (hydrolox) propellants. The first-stage can be fitted with zero, two, or four strap-on SRB-3 solid rocket boosters (SRBs) derived from the SRB-A and fueled with polybutadiene. The second stage is powered by an upgraded LE-5B-3 engine and carries 23 tonnes (51,000 lb) of hydrolox propellant.[26][3][27]

Variants

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H3 configurations are identified by a two-digit number and a letter. The first digit indicates the number of LE-9 engines on the core stage (two or three), while the second digit indicates the number of SRB-3 solid rocket boosters (zero, two, or four). The final letter specifies the payload fairing: short ("S"), long ("L"), or wide ("W"). For example, the H3-24L has two LE-9 engines, four SRBs, and a long fairing, while the H3-30S has three engines, no SRBs, and a short fairing.[28][29]

As of November 2018, three configurations were planned: H3-30, H3-22, and H3-24.[28]

The H3-32, a proposed variant with three engines and two SRBs, was cancelled in late 2018 after tests showed that the H3-22 offered better-than-expected performance, reducing the need for the more powerful version. JAXA cited commercial precedent, noting that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 frequently launched satellites into a low geostationary transfer orbit, leaving the satellites to raise themselves to a geostationary orbit. Since commercial clients appeared willing to accept this trade-off, JAXA concluded that customers would prefer the less expensive H3-22 even if it required additional onboard satellite propellant.[28]

As of July 2015, the minimum H3-30 configuration is to carry a payload of up to 4,000 kg (8,800 lb) into Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) for about ¥5 billion (equivalent to ¥5.1 billion or US$46.76 million in 2019)[30] and the maximum configuration is to carry more than 6,500 kg (14,300 lb) into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).[2] The most powerful H3‑24 variant will deliver more than 6,000 kg (13,000 lb) of payload to lunar transfer orbit (TLI) and 8,800 kg (19,400 lb) of payload to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) (∆V=1830 m/s).

As of October 2019, MHI was also studying two concepts for potential use in NASA’s Lunar Gateway program: an extended second stage, and a heavy-lift version with three liquid-fueled core stages strapped together, similar to the Delta IV Heavy and Falcon Heavy.[31] The proposed H3 Heavy would have a payload capacity of 28,300 kg (62,400 lb) to low Earth orbit.[32]

Launch services

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H3 will have a "dual-launch capability, but MHI is focused more on dedicated launches" in order to prioritize schedule assurance for customers.[33]

As of 2018, MHI is aiming to price the H3 launch service on par with SpaceX's Falcon 9.[33]

Launch history

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See also: List of H-II series and H3 launches § 2024

Past launches

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Sources: Japanese Cabinet[34]

Flight No. Date and time (UTC) Version Launch site Payload(s) Launch outcome
TF1 7 March 2023,
01:37:55[35]		 H3‑22S[36] Tanegashima, LA‑Y2 ALOS-3 Failure
TF2 17 February 2024,
00:22:55[37]		 H3‑22S Tanegashima, LA‑Y2 Vehicle Evaluation Payload (with rideshares: CE-SAT-1E / TIRSAT)[38] Success
F3 1 July 2024,
03:06:42[39]		 H3‑22S Tanegashima, LA‑Y2 ALOS-4 Success[40]
F4 4 November 2024, 06:48 H3‑22S Tanegashima, LA‑Y2 DSN-3 (Kirameki 3) Success[41]
F5 2 February 2025, 08:30:00 H3‑22S Tanegashima, LA‑Y2 QZS-6 Success[42]

Future launches

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Date and time (UTC) Version Payload(s)
21 October 2025,
01:58[43]		 H3-24W HTV-X1
JFY25[44] H3-30S Vehicle Evaluation Payload (with rideshares: PETREL / STARS-X / VERTECS / HORN L / HORN R / BRO-19)
JFY25 H3-22S QZS-5
JFY25 H3-22S QZS-7
JFY25 H3-24L ETS-IX
JFY26 H3‑24W HTV-X2
JFY26 H3-24L MMX
JFY26 H3-24W HTV-X3
JFY26 H3 IGS-Optical Diversification 1
2026–28 H3 LUPEX
JFY27 H3 IGS-Optical 9
JFY27 H3 IGS-Optical Diversification 2
2027 H3 JDRS-2
2027 H3 ALOS-3 successor
2027 H3 Eutelsat (TBD)[45]
March 2028 H3 MBR Explorer
JFY28 H3 Himawari 10
2028[46] H3 DESTINY+
2028 H3 ALOS-4 successor
JFY29 H3 IGS-Radar Diversification 1
JFY29 H3 IGS-Optical 10
JFY30 H3 IGS-Radar Diversification 2
JFY31 H3 IGS-Radar 9
JFY32 H3 IGS-Optical Diversification Successor
JFY32 H3 LiteBIRD
JFY33 H3 IGS-Radar 10
JFY33 H3 IGS-Optical 11
TBD H3 Inmarsat (satellite TBD)[47]

Notes

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References

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  1. ^ Clark, Stephen (19 September 2017). "Japan's MHI wins deal to launch satellite for Inmarsat". Spaceflight Now. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f 新型基幹ロケットの開発状況について (PDF) (in Japanese). 2 July 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 January 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e "H3 Launch Vehicle Brochure" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  4. ^ "Space News". 25 October 2019. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  5. ^ a b "What is SRB-3?". JAXA. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  6. ^ 2020年 H3ロケットの目指す姿 (PDF) (in Japanese). JAXA. 8 July 2015. p. 30. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 November 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  7. ^ 姿を現した新型国産ロケット「H3」、開発の舞台はいよいよ種子島へ (in Japanese). Mynavi News. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  8. ^ 東レのトレカプリプレグ H3ロケットに採用 (in Japanese). Weekly Gomutimes. 14 February 2023. Archived from the original on 24 February 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  9. ^ "Payload Fairings Supplied by RUAG Space Contracted by MHI for the H3 Launch Vehicle". satnews. 10 April 2019. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  10. ^ "JAXA H3 booster". China Post. 19 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 September 2013.
  11. ^ "Japan's new rocket fails after engine issue, in blow to space ambitions". The Japan Times. 7 March 2023. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  12. ^ A Japanese Fiscal Year starts in April of the year and ends in March of the next year. For this case, it denotes launch will occur no earlier than 1 April 2021, and no later than 31 March 2022.
  13. ^ Shinya Matsuura (2 February 2021). H3ロケットの主エンジン「LE-9」熱効率向上で世界初に挑戦 (in Japanese). Nikkei Business. Archived from the original on 24 January 2022. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  14. ^ Shinya Torishima (24 September 2020). "H3ロケット開発を襲った"魔物"とは？、エンジンに見つかった技術的課題" (in Japanese). Mynavi news. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020.
  15. ^ LE-9 燃焼試験 (in Japanese). JAXA. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  16. ^ "Test-firing of booster for H3 rocket". NHK World. 27 August 2018. Archived from the original on 28 August 2018. Retrieved 27 August 2018.
  17. ^ "H3ロケットの試験機1号機の打上げについて" (in Japanese). JAXA. 21 January 2022. Archived from the original on 2 December 2022. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  18. ^ "Japan's new rocket fails to blast off". Agence France-Presse. Archived from the original on 18 February 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  19. ^ Mike Wall (17 February 2023). "Japan's new H3 rocket aborts 1st-ever launch attempt". Space.com. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  20. ^ Clark, Stephen. "First launch of Japan's H3 rocket aborted moments before liftoff – Spaceflight Now". Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  21. ^ "Japan launches H3 rocket, destroys it over 2nd stage failure". United States: ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  22. ^ "Japan destroys new H3 rocket after lift-off as second-stage engine fails". The National. 7 March 2023. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  23. ^ Andrew Jones published (7 March 2023). "Japan's new H3 rocket fails on 1st test flight, advanced Earth observation satellite lost". Space.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  24. ^ "Japanese rocket and disaster-management satellite destroyed in space after engine failure". Australia: ABC News. 7 March 2023. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  25. ^ "「H3」ロケット2号機 打ち上げ成功 前回の失敗乗り越える | NHK". 17 February 2024.
  26. ^ "Development of the LE-X Engine" (PDF). Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Technical Review. 48 (4). December 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  27. ^ 2020年：H3ロケットの目指す姿 (PDF) (in Japanese). JAXA. 8 July 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  28. ^ a b c H3ロケットの開発状況について (PDF) (in Japanese). JAXA. 29 November 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 November 2018. Retrieved 29 November 2018.
  29. ^ 衛星フェアリングとは (in Japanese). JAXA. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  30. ^ 1868 to 1938: Williamson J., Nominal Wage, Cost of Living, Real Wage and Land Rent Data for Japan 1831-1938, 1939 to 1945: Bank of Japan Historical Statistics Afterwards, Japanese Historical Consumer Price Index numbers based on data available from the Japanese Statistics Bureau. Japan Historical Consumer Price Index (CPI) – 1970 to 2014 Retrieved 30 July 2014. For between 1946 and 1970, from "昭和戦後史". Retrieved 24 January 2015.
  31. ^ Space News
  32. ^ Henry, Caleb (25 October 2019). "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries mulls upgraded H3 rocket variants for lunar missions". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on 1 October 2021. Retrieved 13 January 2020.
  33. ^ a b Henry, Caleb (12 July 2018). "Blue Origin to offer dual launch with New Glenn after fifth mission". SpaceNews. Retrieved 5 August 2018. H3 is on track for a 2020 debut with a price meant to be on par with SpaceX's Falcon 9.
  34. ^ "宇宙基本計画⼯程表 (令和5年度改訂)" [Basic Plan on Space Policy (2023 Revision)] (PDF) (in Japanese). Cabinet Office. 22 December 2023. p. 45. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
  35. ^ "H3ロケット試験機1号機による先進光学衛星「だいち3号」（ALOS-3）の打上げについて[再設定(その5)]" [Launch of Advanced Optical Satellite "DAICHI-3" (ALOS-3) by H3 Rocket Test Vehicle No. 1 [Reschedule (Part 5)]] (Press release) (in Japanese). JAXA. 4 March 2023. Archived from the original on 4 March 2023. Retrieved 4 March 2023.
  36. ^ H3ロケットの開発状況について (PDF). 宇宙開発利用部会 (in Japanese). 10 December 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 December 2019. Retrieved 10 December 2019.
  37. ^ "JAXA 主力ロケット「H3」2号機 2024年2月15日に打ち上げへ" [JAXA main rocket "H3" No. 2 to be launched on 15 February 2024]. NHK (in Japanese). 27 December 2023. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  38. ^ Akiyama, Ayano (27 June 2023). H3試験機2号機「リスク承知」の相乗り小型衛星を選定 キヤノン電子地球観測衛星を搭載へ (in Japanese). Retrieved 29 October 2024.
  39. ^ "Launch Result of the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4 "DAICHI-4" (ALOS-4) aboard the third H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F3)". JAXA. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
  40. ^ "「H3」ロケット3号機 種子島宇宙センターから打ち上げ成功" ["H3" rocket No. 3 successfully launched from Tanegashima Space Center]. NHK (in Japanese). 1 July 2024. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  41. ^ "H3‑22S | Kirameki 3".
  42. ^ H3ロケット5号機による「みちびき6号機」（準天頂衛星）の打上げ結果 (in Japanese). JAXA. 2 February 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  43. ^ "HTV-X1". Next Spaceflight. Retrieved 4 July 2025.
  44. ^ Sato, Toshiaki (27 September 2024). H3ロケット30形態試験機の打上げ計画及び超小型衛星相乗りの実施について (PDF). Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (in Japanese). Retrieved 28 October 2024.
  45. ^ "Eutelsat signs multi-launch agreement for MHI's H3 rocket". SpaceNews. 18 September 2024. Retrieved 23 October 2024.
  46. ^ Jones, Andrew (6 November 2023). "Japan's mission to bizarre asteroid Phaethon delayed to 2025". Space.com. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
  47. ^ Henry, Caleb (6 December 2018). "Inmarsat books Japanese H3 rocket's first commercial launch". SpaceNews. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
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