Countdown to H3: Key moments in MHI’s rocket launch history

For half a century, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has played a significant role in developing launch vehicles for Japan’s space industry.

From design and manufacturing to assembly and the launch itself, MHI’s expertise and experience have helped give the country a competitive edge in the global space exploration market.

Today, MHI and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) are working on the H3 launch vehicle. Designed to be highly flexible, reliable and cost-effective, it can carry payloads of various sizes, including observation satellites that will monitor disaster zones, sea ice and ocean vessels.

The H3, which will soon entirely replace Japan’s previous flagship rocket, the H-IIA, was successfully launched last year. As it prepares to take over, this video remembers some key moments in MHI’s recent rocket launch history.