Japan: JAXA Successfully Launches Next-Generation H3 Rocket Into Space 4

JAXA (The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) launched its new flagship H3 rocket into space in a second attempt on Saturday, February 17, and announced that it confirmed the rocket has reached orbit as planned. The H3 lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima at 9:22 a.m., JST.

Aftermath of strong quake in central Japan

Aftermath of strong quake in central Japan

Photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force transport vessel Osumi off Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture following a strong earthquake that jolted the Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas in central Japan on Jan. 1.

Aftermath of strong quake in central Japan

Aftermath of strong quake in central Japan

Photo taken on Jan. 4, 2024, from a Kyodo News helicopter shows Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force hovercraft (bottom) that carried heavy machinery from the MSDF transport vessel Osumi (top R) to a beach in Wajima in Ishikawa Prefecture. The machinery will be used to remove dirt and fallen trees in areas that have been cut off since a strong earthquake jolted the central Japan prefecture's Noto Peninsula and surrounding areas on Jan. 1.

Sakurajima volcano in southwestern Japan erupts

Sakurajima volcano in southwestern Japan erupts

Photo taken from a fixed camera in the Kagoshima Prefecture city of Tarumizu, southwestern Japan, shows Sakurajima volcano erupting on July 24, 2022. Sakurajima is connected to the Osumi Peninsula of Kyushu, Japan's southwestern main island.