Japan successfully launched an H3 rocket powered only by liquid-fuel engines for the first time on Friday, news agency Kyodo reported, citing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in south-western Japan at about 9:55am (0055 GMT) and carried six small satellites into orbit. The launch had been postponed by two days because of unfavourable weather.
The rocket flew with three main liquid-fuel engines and no solid-fuel boosters, a simpler configuration that JAXA says is lighter and less expensive than other versions of the H3.
Among the six satellites on board were the Institute of Science Tokyo's Umitsubame, designed to observe the oceans with a high-performance camera, and Shizuoka University's Shiraito, which will test technology for removing space debris.
"Congrats to our JAXA partners on a nice-looking launch," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said on social media platform X.
The launch was a boost for Japan's space programme after recent setbacks. An H3 mission in December failed to place a satellite into orbit, while the rocket's maiden flight in March 2023 ended in failure when its second-stage engine did not ignite.
The launch of H3 rocket No. 6 had also been delayed after a problem was found during an engine combustion test last year, Kyodo reported.
