Japanese Navigation Satellite Launch Fails

A Japanese H3 rocket launch carrying the QZS-5 navigation satellite failed due to an engine problem, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

As a result, the satellite was destroyed. The failure of the H3 rocket, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, occurred despite six successful flights following its initial failed launch in 2023.

The premature termination of the second-stage engine burn led to the inability to confirm the satellite's separation, according to JAXA's Masashi Okada. It remains unknown whether the satellite was launched into space or where it ended up, and JAXA is investigating the data to determine the cause.

Jun Kondo, an official from the Ministry of Education, stated that the government has formed a task force to investigate the failure and restore confidence. This failure delays Japan's satellite launch plans, including one for an independent geolocation system.

Source: ΚΥΠΕ