Japan launches flagship H3 rocket carrying defense satellite

Japan launched a flagship H3 rocket carrying a Defense Ministry communications satellite Monday, its third consecutive successful liftoff following a botched debut in 2023.The H3 series is the successor to the country's current mainstay H2A vehicle, which has supported Japan's space development for over 20 years and will be retired after a final launch, possibly by the end of March.The No. 4 H3 rocket will place the defense satellite in orbit at an altitude of around 36,000 kilometers. The satellite, along with two others already in operation, is intended to enhance communications for the c…READ FULL ARTICLE