Photo/Illutration Carrying a moon probe and an X-ray astronomy satellite, the H-2A Launch Vehicle No. 47 lifts off Sept. 7 from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. (Kengo Hiyoshi)

The Sept. 7 launch of a flagship H-2A rocket operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. put an X-ray telescope into orbit that will explore the origins of the universe, as well as a small lunar lander.

Japan’s space program has been marred by recent failures involving its two other mainstay rockets--the Epsilon and the H3, H-2A’s successor, both developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The H-2A Launch Vehicle No. 47 was originally scheduled to be launched in May, but that was delayed because it shared components with the H3. The potential risks related to these parts had to be evaluated.

The latest launch of the H-2A averted a nightmare scenario: a rapid succession of botched launches involving all three mainstay rockets. Be that as it may, the nation’s rocket program will continue facing tough challenges for the time being.

The H-2A marked its 41st consecutive success, further cementing its reputation for reliability. However, there are limits to its competitiveness in the international space launch market, and the program will end after three more missions.

The H-2A’s successor, the H3, was designed to be a low-cost, high-performance launch vehicle. But its inaugural mission failed in March. Having ascertained the causes of the failure JAXA is now working on measures to prevent a recurrence. But there is still no prospect of restarting the H3 mission.

More than 10 spacecraft are currently scheduled to be launched atop H3 rockets by fiscal 2025, including a Mars satellite probe, a supply vehicle for the International Space Station and a national security satellite, according to the timetable for the government’s Basic Plan on Space Policy. However, the schedule is certain to be pushed back.

In July, an explosion occurred on the ground during a combustion test of the second-stage engine of the Epsilon S rocket. The glitch came just after the completion of an investigation into the cause of an Epsilon-6 launch disaster last October, and measures for preventing a recurrence were mostly in place. The Epsilon-6 rocket carrying eight satellites suffered a malfunction after liftoff, causing it to deviate uncontrollably from its intended axis, resulting in a command to self-destruct.

Failure is inevitable in space development. When a rocket launch fails, it is impossible to recover the parts. Even in the case of a successful launch, it is difficult to determine the margin of error that existed. However, the string of failures has inevitably raised questions about JAXA’s basic technological capabilities, along with those of the manufacturers and their attention to quality control.

During the H3 debacle, the Earth-observation satellite loaded on the rocket was also incinerated. The previous generation of Earth-observation satellites reached the end of their lifespans and are no longer in operation. Some experts have argued that such an important satellite should not have been part of the rocket’s inaugural mission.

If there had been more leeway in the H3 development schedule, the disaster might have been avoided. The plan was to put an earth observation satellite on board the second H3 launch, but it has been decided to postpone it as another fiasco would deliver a serious blow to the nation’s space program. It is a reasonable decision.

Japan’s arsenal of satellites for security purposes has been expanded, while a U.S.-led moon exploration program has begun. The number of scheduled rocket launches is growing. It is necessary not only to review failures from the technological viewpoint, but also to debate whether the level of financial and human resources deployed match the needs of the plans.

--The Asahi Shimbun, Sept. 8