JAXA has announced a four-day delay for the launch of its latest H3 rocket, originally scheduled to carry Japan’s Kirameki communications satellite into space on October 26. The new launch date is now set for October 30, due to the discovery of engine component failures during pre-launch checks.
According to NHK, the H3 rocket’s fourth unit was slated to lift off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, carrying the Defense Ministry’s Kirameki satellite. However, JAXA officials reported that they identified a valve malfunction in the second stage engine, necessitating time for part replacements and additional inspections.
This marks the second delay for the H3 rocket’s fourth launch. Initially, it was scheduled for October 20, but the launch of the H-IIA rocket, designated number 49, was postponed, which subsequently impacted the timeline of the H3 rocket.
The H3 rocket’s first model faced a failure during its March 2023 launch attempt, resulting in the loss of the Daichi 3 Earth observation satellite. After identifying the cause of the failure and implementing corrective measures, JAXA successfully launched the second and third units of the H3 rocket. The agency aims for a successful launch of the fourth unit, which is vital for establishing a steady operational foundation for future missions.
