Japan’s New Flagship H3 Rocket Reaches Orbit in Key Test After Failed Debut Last Year

Japan’s New Flagship H3 Rocket Reaches Orbit in Key Test After Failed Debut Last Year
An H3 rocket lifts off at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima, southern Japan, on Feb. 17, 2024. Kyodo News via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

TOKYO—Japan’s flagship H3 rocket reached orbit and released two small observation satellites in a key second test following a failed debut launch last year, buoying hope for the country in the global space race.

The H3 rocket blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on time Saturday morning, two days after its originally scheduled liftoff was delayed by bad weather.