A new generation of Japanese access to space.
H3 is developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to succeed H-IIA. The programme seeks more flexible launches and simplified production, mainly for satellite missions.
The first flight in March 2023 fails when the second stage does not ignite. The ALOS-3 satellite is lost; the event triggers investigation and corrections before flights resume.
The second test in February 2024 reaches orbit and allows qualification of the system to continue. This family's story therefore begins with documented technical learning rather than immediate success.
Selected representative missions; crew names belong to the flight shown.
The first test fails after a second-stage ignition problem.
The second test succeeds, carrying a demonstration payload and small satellites.
Dates follow the days reported by the source agencies, generally in local time; the UTC day can differ. Crews belong to the selected missions, not every flight in the family.
H3 continues the development of a Japanese industry capable of controlling its own launch capabilities.
First flight or first test of the family, including unsuccessful or suborbital attempts.
