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The H-2A rocket is the focus of Japan’s space program (Photo: AFP) |
Japan successfully launched a rocket carrying a satellite into space, marking the second satellite launch in a month.
The H-2A rocket was launched from southern Japan, carrying a 4.6-ton satellite designed for air traffic control and weather monitoring. The department responsible for this rocket at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the satellite had successfully detached from the rocket.
Japan’s space program has been revived after a series of failures and numerous successes by its regional competitor, China.
The H-2A is the ninth rocket in this program. It is central to Japan’s space endeavors and was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Kagoshima at 6:55 AM GMT on Saturday.
A New Success
Scientists involved in the program reported that the MTSAT-2 satellite successfully detached from the rocket 30 minutes after launch.
JAXA spokesperson Nobuko Sato stated, “The rocket launched successfully, but it will take a few more days before we can confirm whether the satellite has executed its initial steps and entered orbit successfully.”
This satellite will be positioned in an orbit approximately 36,000 kilometers above the equator.
It will serve as a backup for an existing satellite and will assist in monitoring air traffic in the busy skies of the Asia-Pacific region.
