Japan will try to launch its flagship H3 launch vehicle in February 2024

Japan is preparing to make another attempt to launch its flagship H3 launch vehicle in February 2024. This was stated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), according to Bloomberg.

The launch is scheduled for February 15 from the Tanegashima Space Center. The exact time of the event will depend on the weather, so it will be announced no earlier than two days before the launch. The preliminary time window is 9:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. local time.

As you know, Japan has made two attempts to launch H3 this year. JAXA was preparing for the launch in February, but the plan failed to materialize due to the failure of solid fuel accelerators.

The second attempt took place in March but failed. The rocket left the launch pad on schedule, but its second stage engines did not start. Eventually, controllers were forced to send the H3 into the Philippine Sea.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. is responsible for the construction of the H3. The rocket project was approved in 2013. In October, JAXA announced that it plans to carry out six H3 missions annually.