JAXA Announces Plan to Launch H3 Rocket No. 3 on June 30, 2024

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has announced its plan to launch the third H3 rocket on June 30, 2024. This launch is part of the increasing trend of private space launches in 2024, which is expected to exceed the 223 orbital launches conducted in 2023.

The H3 rocket is a new launch vehicle developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It is designed to be more cost-effective and reliable than its predecessor, the H-IIA rocket. The first two H3 rockets were launched earlier this year, with varying degrees of success.

The year 2024 is shaping up to be a significant one for space exploration, with several notable events planned. In addition to JAXA's H3 rocket launch, NASA's Europa Clipper probe and the European Space Agency's Hera probe are also scheduled to launch this year. The NISARE Earth observation satellite is another anticipated launch in 2024.

Lunar exploration will also be a major focus in 2024, with several lunar landing attempts planned. JAXA's SLIM lander and Intuitive Machines' IM-1 lander both successfully soft-landed on the Moon earlier this year, despite encountering issues during the final moments of descent. China's Chang'e 6 mission is expected to attempt the first lunar sample return from the far side of the Moon later this year.

Crewed missions to the International Space Station and China's Tiangong space station will continue throughout 2024. Expedition 70, 71, and 72 are planned for the ISS, while private crews from Axiom Missions 3 and 4 are also expected to visit the station. The year has already seen significant milestones in human spaceflight, with the first Turkish and Belarusian astronauts reaching space.

Why this matters: The increasing number of space launches and missions in 2024 highlights the growing importance of space exploration and the role of private companies in the industry. These missions will contribute to our understanding of the Moon, Earth, and the solar system, while also advancing space technology and international cooperation.

JAXA's successful launch of the H3 rocket No. 3 will be a critical step in establishing the vehicle as a reliable and cost-effective option for future missions. "The H3 rocket is a key component of Japan's space program, and its success will help ensure that we can continue to explore space and advance our scientific knowledge," said a JAXA spokesperson in a recent statement.

Key Takeaways

• JAXA to launch 3rd H3 rocket on June 30, 2024, part of rising private space launches.
• H3 rocket designed to be more cost-effective and reliable than predecessor H-IIA.
• 2024 to see major space events: NASA's Europa Clipper, ESA's Hera, NISARE Earth satellite.
• Lunar exploration focus in 2024: JAXA's SLIM, Intuitive Machines' IM-1, China's Chang'e 6.
• Crewed missions to ISS and China's Tiangong, including Axiom Missions 3 and 4.