The Japanese H3 rocket failed to launch the satellite. A second stage engine failure stopped the planned flight to orbit in the Tanegashima system.
Japan’s H3 rocket failed to launch a geo-location satellite into Earth orbit on Monday due to engine failure, the Japan Space Agency (JAXA) said. The rocket successfully launched at 10:51 a.m. (02:51 CET) from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. TASR writes about it according to AFP.
JAXA said the H3 failed to launch the sixth satellite of the QZSS system (“Michibiki”) into orbit, with a total of seven units, and is investigating the cause of the problem. About 40 minutes after liftoff, the rocket reported that the second stage engine, which starts working after the rocket’s first stage separates, stopped earlier than expected. The original start date was postponed twice due to technical problems.
Failed to start
Japan’s QZSS geolocation system is designed to complement GPS to provide better data and consumer services than current car navigation systems and smartphone maps, according to JAXA.
The system will also offer location-specific key information services, such as evacuation orders during tsunami warnings or heavy rains, according to the government. The launch of the seventh satellite is scheduled for February 1.
