JAXA's fairing separation and release test for the H3 rocket

On April 17, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted a separation and release test of the fairing (the tip of the rocket) for the new H3 core rocket at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Harima Works in Harima, Hyogo Prefecture (photo). The fairing is a container that protects the satellite from wind pressure and frictional heat from the air while the rocket flies in the atmosphere. The internal capacity of the satellite is 2.3 times larger than that of the "H2A" 4S model. Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) layers were used for the perimeter panels, and the number of panels assembled was reduced by enlarging each panel to keep costs down. Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Harima Plant, Harima-cho, Hyogo Prefecture, December 17, 2019; Credit: Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun / Kyodo News Images