Japan will launch its first H-3 rocket next week

A public relation officer of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) explains the launch failure of the H3 rocket to the media members at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan February 17, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo via REUTERS
TOKYO, March 3 (Reuters) – Japan’s space agency said it plans to launch what would be its first new medium-lift rocket in three decades on March 6, more than two weeks after the initially scheduled launch was aborted.

The final decision will be made taking into account weather conditions, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said on Friday.

JAXA on Feb. 17 suspended the launch of the H3 rocket, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (7011.T), moments before the planned lift-off because its secondary booster engines failed to ignite.