Japan successfully launched a climate-monitoring satellite on Sunday using its H-2A rocket, marking the final mission for the reliable launch vehicle as it gives way to a newer, more cost-effective model.
The H-2A rocket took off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the GOSAT-GW satellite, which is part of the country's efforts to address climate change. About 16 minutes after liftoff, the satellite separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit.
The launch had been postponed for several days due to an electrical issue, but mission controllers celebrated its success with hugs and handshakes. Keiji Suzuki from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, who oversaw the launch, expressed relief and pride, calling it a deeply personal moment as he had devoted his career to the H-2A project.
This final flight marked the rocket's 50th mission since its debut in 2001. Known for its reliability, the H-2A had only one failure, in 2003, giving it a 98% success rate. The rocket was responsible for several major missions, including Japan’s SLIM moon lander in 2024 and the Hayabusa2 asteroid mission in 2014.
With the retirement of the H-2A, Japan will fully transition to the H3 rocket, already in operation. The H3 is designed to carry heavier payloads at roughly half the cost, making it more competitive in the international market.
JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa called the moment “highly emotional” for the agency’s developers.
The newly launched GOSAT-GW (Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle) is the third in a series designed to monitor greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Within a year, it will begin supplying high-resolution climate data, including sea surface temperatures and rainfall, to global users such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Japan is also developing another rocket, the smaller Epsilon, in partnership with IHI’s aerospace division, aiming to meet a broader range of launch needs and strengthen its presence in the growing space launch industry.
The H3 has now had four consecutive successful launches after a failed inaugural attempt in 2023, and officials continue working to cut costs further to boost global competitiveness.