JAXA mulls launching H3 test rocket in June after last year's failure

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is considering launching a test model of its H3 rocket on June 10, following a failed attempt to send a satellite into orbit last December, a source familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

The test rocket would lift off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, with components identified as the cause of the Dec. 22 failure having been fixed.

The failure of the eighth H3 rocket was likely caused by an adhesion problem in the satellite mounting structure, which led it to break apart during flight, according to an investigation by JAXA.

Similar issues were found in other units, prompting the space agency to fix them so the components can maintain their structural integrity.

In the June launch, a dummy satellite will be mounted on the test vehicle to collect data and verify the effectiveness of the measures.

For future launches of actual satellites or space probes, JAXA plans to review the mounting structure design to reduce the risk of failure.

Japan aims to create the seven-orbiter geolocation system to provide highly accurate positioning services vital for smartphones and vehicle navigation without relying on satellites from other countries.