H3.

Japan's new flagship launcher, replacing H-IIA. LE-9 first stage (expander cycle), LE-5B-3 upper stage. Cheaper than H-IIA and competitive with Falcon 9 for Asian commercial GTO.

Every H3 launch is independently confirmed by LaunchDetect from NOAA GOES or JMA Himawari geostationary thermal infrared imagery within 30 to 90 seconds of ignition.

Vehicle facts

OperatorJAXA / Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
CountryJP
First flight2023
StatusActive
ClassMedium-to-heavy lift expendable
Primary padsLA-Y2 Tanegashima
See detected launches →