JAXA launches.

JAXA is Japan's national space agency. H3 (operational since 2024) is the new flagship launcher built with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Epsilon is the small-launcher for smaller payloads. Tanegashima Space Center hosts most JAXA launches; Uchinoura handles smaller Epsilon missions. LaunchDetect tracks every JAXA launch via JMA Himawari-9 thermal imagery (same JMA satellite agency, perfect geographic coverage).

Every JAXA launch is independently confirmed by LaunchDetect from NOAA GOES or JMA Himawari geostationary thermal infrared imagery within 30 to 90 seconds of ignition. Independent of any operator press release or broadcast.

Operator facts

CountryJapan
Founded2003 (merger of three predecessor agencies)
HeadquartersTokyo, Japan
Active fleetH3, H-IIA (retired 2024), Epsilon
Primary padsTanegashima, Uchinoura
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