What is H3 Rocket?

The H3 rocket recently experienced an engine failure during liftoff from the JAXA Tanegashima spaceport, prompting JAXA to send a self-destruct signal. JAXA is Japan Space Aerospace Exploration Agency. It was carrying the ALOS-3 satellite (Advanced Land Observation Satellite for disaster response and map making) that included an experimental infrared sensor for detecting North Korean ballistic missile launches.

What was the purpose of the H3 rocket?

The H3’s main objective is to lift government and commercial satellites into Earth orbit, provide supplies to the International Space Station, and eventually carry cargo to the Gateway lunar space station. Its lower cost per launch offers a competitive advantage in the global launch market, which is currently dominated by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.

Why did the H3 lift fail?

The second stage of the rocket did not ignite due to a power system failure. The rocket uses liquid propellants and strap-on solid rocket boosters.

H3 rocket: first to use Expander Bleed Cycle

H3 is a bipropellant rocket engine and uses the expander bleed cycle. Here, the fuel cools the combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel picks up heat in the combustion chamber while cooling it. The heated fuel is now used to power the engine.

Who developed the H3 rocket?

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries developed the H3 rocket along with JAXA. The rocket uses liquid fuel engines. The H3 rocket is cheaper than the Flacon 9 because it uses very few components as compared to the latter. The cost of the H3 rocket is 36 million USD. The cost of Falcon 9 is 67 million USD. As you can see, the cost of just half the cost of Falcon 9.

Future Plans for H3 rocket

Japan is planning on sending satellites to explore the moon with the H3 rocket. Also, Japan has big commercial plans with H3 rockets. JAXA has joined hands with Mitsubishi to launch the commercial wing of the H3 rocket series. The country is planning several projects with H-IIA, the predecessor of H3. The H-IIA has a big success rate. It has failed only once in 46 launches.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2023

Category: Science & Technology Current Affairs