Photo/Illutration Japan’s first H-3 rocket lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on March 7. But the launch ended in failure as the second-stage engine did not ignite. (Minako Yoshimoto)

The inaugural launch of Japan’s domestically produced H-3 rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., ended in failure on March 7.

The second-stage engine failed to ignite and JAXA was forced to send a self-destruct signal. An Earth-observation satellite loaded on the rocket was also destroyed.

The successor of the H-2A currently in operation, the H-3 is positioned as Japan's flagship rocket.

It is expected to fulfill many functions over the 20 years from fiscal 2023, such as providing supplies to the International Space Station and launching a probe for a Martian moon.

In view of past failed launches, there is no denying the possibility that it could be more than a year before the rocket is ready for the next launch.

The consequences of the H-3 remaining idle for the time being will be far-reaching. We must say this is a grave situation for Japan's space development program.

JAXA and the science and technology ministry are trying to determine why the launch failed.

In the future, the H-3 is meant to enter an international market for satellite launching. If its reliability is to be restored, JAXA and the ministry must conduct objective investigations and fulfill their accountability.

JAXA failed to launch its small Epsilon rocket in October. Causes of the failure are being examined, but there is no prospect of another launch, which raises questions about JAXA’s credibility.

When development of the H-3 began in 2014, JAXA’s aim was to launch it in fiscal 2020. But problems were found in the new main engine, and the launch schedule continued being postponed.

On Feb. 17, an abnormality was discovered after the main engine was ignited, and the liftoff had to be canceled at the last minute.

JAXA said it had identified the cause of the problem and had come up with measures to prevent a recurrence in two weeks. But we wonder if the agency rushed things to avert any further delay.

The H-2A, which failed to launch in 2003, has since proven itself to be highly reliable and stable through 40 consecutive successful launches.

But it has received only limited orders for satellite launches and lacked international competitiveness because of its high cost, said to be 10 billion yen ($72.8 million) per launch.

For that reason, the H-3 was developed with the aim of cutting the cost by half. The number of parts and components has been reduced, and those developed for consumer applications, such as in automobiles, have been used.

We also understand that the developers are reducing the number of personnel involved in launches and also raising the efficiency of production lines.

The global space industry is expected to keep expanding and so will demand for rockets.

There are many formidable competitors abroad, such as SpaceX, which has already achieved considerable cost-cutting and has launched an overwhelming number of rockets.

With the H-3, could it be that the simultaneous pursuit of high performance and low cost rendered the development program somewhat unrealistic?

This also raises questions about joint development and task-sharing between JAXA and private companies. 

To move forward by learning from the failed launch, we hope JAXA and others involved will continue to re-examine the process with an open mind.

--The Asahi Shimbun, March 8

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