Japan: H2A Rocket Series Ends with 50th Launch from Tanegashima Successfully 2

The 50th and final H2A liquid-fuel rocket was launched from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan at 1:33 a.m. on June 29, drawing the curtain on the series' 24-year career in support of the country's space development program.

[Breaking News]Japan launches H2A rocket

MINAMITANE, Japan, June 29 Kyodo - A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket. (Kyodo)

Japan: H2A Rocket Series Ends with 50th Launch from Tanegashima Successfully

The 50th and final H2A liquid-fuel rocket was launched from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan at 1:33 a.m. on June 29, drawing the curtain on the series' 24-year career in support of the country's space development program.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

A Japanese H2A rocket, carrying a satellite for greenhouse gas and water cycle observation, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, in the early hours of June 29, 2025, the 50th and final mission of the rocket.

[Breaking News]Japan launches H2A rocket

MINAMITANE, Japan, Sept. 26 Kyodo - Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather. (Kyodo)

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan launches H2A rocket

Japan launches H2A rocket

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan's H2A rocket, carrying an information-gathering satellite, being launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 26, 2024, following two postponements due to unfavorable weather.

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Photo taken on Sept. 16, 2024, shows an H2A rocket at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The scheduled launch of the rocket carrying an information-gathering satellite was once again postponed the same day.

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Photo taken on Sept. 16, 2024, shows an H2A rocket at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The scheduled launch of the rocket carrying an information-gathering satellite was once again postponed the same day.

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Japan again delays launch of H2A rocket

Officials of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency hold a press briefing at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sept. 16, 2024. The scheduled launch of an H2A rocket carrying an information-gathering satellite from the space center was once again postponed the same day.

[Breaking News] Japan launches intelligence satellite

MINAMITANE, Japan Kyodo - An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite soars after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024. (Kyodo)

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite soars after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite soars after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite soars after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite soars after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite detaches a solid rocket booster after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows an H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima, on Jan. 12, 2024.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the liftoff of an H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence satellite from Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Jan. 12, 2024.

JAXA's lunar lander to reach moon surface on Jan. 20, 2024

JAXA's lunar lander to reach moon surface on Jan. 20, 2024

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Shinichiro Sakai, Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) project manager, speaks during a press conference in Tokyo on Dec. 5, 2023, announcing that the lunar lander will conduct its moon landing on Jan. 20, 2024. An H2A rocket carrying the lander was launched on Sept. 7.

H2A rocket with Japan's lunar lander successfully lifts off

An H2A rocket carrying the Japanese space agency's lunar lander was launched Thursday at Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, making it the first liftoff in Japan of a major domestic rocket since March amid an intensifying global space race.(Kyodo)

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander blasts into the sky after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander blasts into the sky after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the lift-off of an H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter shows the lift-off of an H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander lifts off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander leaves a white smoke trail after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

H2A rocket launch

H2A rocket launch

An H2A rocket carrying the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's lunar lander leaves a white smoke trail after lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in the southwestern Japan prefecture of Kagoshima on Sept. 7, 2023.

Japan launches intelligence satellite

Japan launches intelligence satellite

An H2A rocket carrying a government intelligence-gathering radar satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Jan. 26, 2023.