Latest news with #HiroshiYamakawa
The Star
13-07-2025
- Science
- The Star
Mainstay rocket's last Earth watch
Final ascent: The H-2A rocket, carrying a GOSAT-GW satellite, lifting off from a launch pad in Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. - AP THE nation successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite on its mainstay H-2A rocket, which made its final flight before it is replaced by a new flagship model designed to be more cost competitive in the global space market. The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the GOSAT-GW satellite as part of Tokyo's effort to mitigate climate change. The satellite was safely separated from the rocket and released into a planned orbit about 16 minutes later. Scientists and space officials at the control room exchanged hugs and handshakes to celebrate the successful launch, which was delayed by several days due to a malfunctioning of the rocket's electrical systems. Keiji Suzuki, a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries official in charge of rocket launch operations, said he was more nervous than ever for the final mission of the rocket, which has been his career work. 'I've spent my entire life at work not to drop H-2A rocket ... All I can say is I'm so relieved,' he said. Yesterday's launch marked the 50th and final flight for the H-2A, which has served as Japan's mainstay rocket to carry satellites and probes into space with a near-perfect record since its 2001 debut. After its retirement, it will be fully replaced by the H3, which is already in operation, as Japan's new main flagship. 'It is a deeply emotional moment for all of us at JAXA as a developer,' Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, told a news conference. The Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water (GOSAT-GW) cycle, is a third series in the mission to monitor carbon, methane and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Within one year, it will start distributing data such as sea surface temperature and precipitation with much higher resolution to users around the world, including the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, officials said. The liquid-fuel H-2A rocket with two solid-fuel sub-rockets developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has had 49 flights with a 98% success record, with only one failure in 2003. Mitsubishi Heavy has provided its launch operation since 2007. H-2A successfully carried into space many satellites and probes, including Japan's moon lander SLIM last year, and a popular Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2014 to reach a distant asteroid, contributing to the country's space programmes. — AP
Cision Canada
09-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada reaffirms longstanding space collaboration with Japan Français
LONGUEUIL, QC, July 9, 2025 /CNW/ - During a recent visit to Japan, Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Lisa Campbell met with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) President Hiroshi Yamakawa to explore new avenues for collaboration and opportunities for enhanced partnerships. The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding and productive relationship between the two space agencies ranging from their partnership in the International Space Station, the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, and the renewal of their commitment to sharing valuable Earth observation data – a collaboration that started in 2021. Canada and Japan have a long history of cooperation. Together, the CSA and JAXA are working on complementary lunar exploration technologies to help establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. Looking ahead, both countries are focused on developing next-generation technologies to ensure a sustainable and secure future in space. The CSA delegation also took part in the SPACETIDE conference to showcase the Canadian space program and its vibrant industrial capabilities, while engaging with the Japanese space sector. The objective was to broaden awareness and lay the groundwork for potential future Canada–Japan industry relations and business development. As the global space environment grows more complex, strong international partnerships are essential. Canada remains committed to working closely with like-minded countries like Japan to advance peaceful exploration, strengthen industry ties, and support innovation that benefits humanity as a whole. Quotes "Canada and Japan have a rich history of scientific and technological advancement, sharing a common vision for the peaceful and innovative use of space. By developing our strengths and innovating side by side, Canada and Japan are not only positioned for future growth but are also laying the vital foundations for the future of space exploration." —The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions "By strengthening our collaboration with Japan, whether in Earth observation, lunar exploration, or industry development, we are advancing shared priorities like sustainability, resilience, and new economic opportunities." —Lisa Campbell, President of the Canadian Space Agency "The visit of President Campbell was a valuable opportunity for JAXA and the CSA to renew the commitment to our strengthening partnership. We were also able to introduce JAXA's diverse research and development activities, including initiatives such as Earth observation, lunar missions, space science exploration and Space Strategy Fund. JAXA looks forward to continuing this longstanding relationship to support the peaceful and sustainable use of outer space as well as the advancement of science and technology." —Hiroshi Yamakawa, President of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Quick facts Canada and Japan are both members of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. With 17 Charter members and 270 contributing satellites from around the world, the Charter allows for resources and expertise to be organized for a quick response to catastrophic events. Canada and Japan have been proud partners in the International Space Station (ISS) since the inception of the project in the 1980s. So far, eight JAXA astronauts have completed their robotics training at the CSA's Robotics Training Centre to learn how to operate Canadarm2 while on board the ISS. In 2009, Canadarm2's first cosmic catch was JAXA's HTV cargo ship. This year, Canadarm2 will catch JAXA's new HTV-X vehicle and berth it to the ISS. The CSA is supporting the participation of two scientists from Canada on the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (XRISM) mission. Led by JAXA, XRISM is an international space mission that studies extreme events in space and furthers our understanding of the universe.
Yomiuri Shimbun
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yomiuri Shimbun
More Commercial Launches a Must for H2a Rocket's Successor; Mitsubishi Heavy, JAXA Aim to Halve Launch Cost with H3
The H2A rocket, which was retired on Sunday after the model's 50th launch, delivered many satellites vital for scientific research and Japan's social infrastructure into space. However, it failed to win enough orders for commercial launches, a problem that has been passed on to its successor, the H3. 'Over the past 24 years, [the H2A] has made a significant contribution to the autonomy of Japan's space activities through a steady stream of launches,' said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), at a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. The H2A launched more than 70 satellites and other objects into space, serving as the backbone of Japan's space transportation. However, there was an average of only two launches a year, and most depended on 'public demand' for government satellites. There were only orders for commercial launches for five satellites belonging to foreign countries, such as South Korea and the United Kingdom. The launch fee was expensive, reaching as high as ¥10 billion. For Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., which took over the manufacture and operation of the H2A from JAXA in 2007, winning commercial orders has been a longstanding issue. The H3 was jointly developed by MHI and JAXA with the aim of halving the launch fee. 'We would like to receive as many orders for launches from overseas and domestic companies as government missions,' said Iwao Igarashi, senior general manager of the company's Space Systems Division. Demand for launches is rising as the space business expands. According to the Cabinet Office, 253 rockets were successfully launched worldwide in 2024, 2.75 times more than 10 years ago. Japan launched a total of five H2A and H3 rockets that year, compared to 153 in the United States and 66 in China. In particular, the U.S. company SpaceX, which has developed a rocket where the first stage can be reused, dominates the market with about 130 launches a year. 'If we cannot win the competition in the market, we will not be able to maintain the [domestic] industry, and there will be no companies or personnel to manufacture rockets. Our current technology will one day become obsolete, so it is essential to develop a rocket to succeed the H3,' said Hiroaki Akiyama, professor of space policy at Wakayama University.
Asahi Shimbun
30-06-2025
- Science
- Asahi Shimbun
Japan launches a climate change monitoring satellite on mainstay H2A rocket's last flight
Japan on Sunday successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite on its mainstay H-2A rocket, which made its final flight before it is replaced by a new flagship model designed to be more cost competitive in the global space market. The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the GOSAT-GW satellite as part of Tokyo's effort to mitigate climate change. The satellite was safely separated from the rocket and released into a planned orbit about 16 minutes later. Scientists and space officials at the control room exchanged hugs and handshakes to celebrate the successful launch, which was delayed by several days due to a malfunctioning of the rocket's electrical systems. Keiji Suzuki, a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries official in charge of rocket launch operations, said he was more nervous than ever for the final mission of the rocket, which has been his career work. 'I've spent my entire life at work not to drop H-2A rocket ... All I can say is I'm so relieved." Sunday's launch marked the 50th and final flight for the H-2A, which has served as Japan's mainstay rocket to carry satellites and probes into space with a near-perfect record since its 2001 debut. After its retirement, it will be fully replaced by the H3, which is already in operation, as Japan's new main flagship. 'It is a deeply emotional moment for all of us at JAXA as a developer,' Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, told a news conference. The GOSAT-GW, or Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle, is a third series in the mission to monitor carbon, methane and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Within one year, it will start distributing data such as sea surface temperature and precipitation with much higher resolution to users around the world, including the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, officials said. The liquid-fuel H-2A rocket with two solid-fuel sub-rockets developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has so far had 49 flights with a 98% success record, with only one failure in 2003. Mitsubishi Heavy has provided its launch operation since 2007. H-2A successfully carried into space many satellites and probes, including Japan's moon lander SLIM last year, and a popular Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2014 to reach a distant asteroid, contributing to the country's space programs. The completion of H-2A lets him put more resources into further development of the H3, Suzuki said. Japan sees a stable, commercially competitive space transport capability as key to its space program and national security, and has been developing two new flagship rockets as successors of the H-2A series — the larger H3 with Mitsubishi, and a much smaller Epsilon system with the aerospace unit of the heavy machinery maker IHI. It hopes to cater to diverse customer needs and improve its position in the growing satellite launch market. The H3, is designed to carry larger payloads than the H-2A at about half its launch cost to be globally competitive, though officials say more cost reduction efforts are needed to achieve better price competitiveness in the global market. The H3 has made four consecutive successful flights after a failed debut attempt in 2023, when the rocket had to be destroyed with its payload.
New Indian Express
29-06-2025
- Science
- New Indian Express
Japan launches climate change monitoring satellite on mainstay H2A rocket's last flight
TOKYO: Japan on Sunday successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite on its mainstay H-2A rocket, which made its final flight before it is replaced by a new flagship model designed to be more cost competitive in the global space market. The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan, carrying the GOSAT-GW satellite as part of Tokyo's effort to mitigate climate change. The satellite was safely separated from the rocket and released into a planned orbit about 16 minutes later. Scientists and space officials at the control room exchanged hugs and handshakes to celebrate the successful launch, which was delayed by several days due to a malfunctioning of the rocket's electrical systems. Keiji Suzuki, a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries official in charge of rocket launch operations, said he was more nervous than ever for the final mission of the rocket, which has been his career work. 'I've spent my entire life at work not to drop H-2A rocket... All I can say is I'm so relieved." Sunday's launch marked the 50th and final flight for the H-2A, which has served as Japan's mainstay rocket to carry satellites and probes into space with a near-perfect record since its 2001 debut. After its retirement, it will be fully replaced by the H3, which is already in operation, as Japan's new main flagship. 'It is a deeply emotional moment for all of us at JAXA as a developer,' Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, told a news conference. The GOSAT-GW, or Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle, is a third series in the mission to monitor carbon, methane and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Within one year, it will start distributing data such as sea surface temperature and precipitation with much higher resolution to users around the world, including the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, officials said. The liquid-fuel H-2A rocket with two solid-fuel sub-rockets developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has so far had 49 flights with a 98% success record, with only one failure in 2003. Mitsubishi Heavy has provided its launch operation since 2007. H-2A successfully carried into space many satellites and probes, including Japan's moon lander SLIM last year, and a popular Hayabusa2 spacecraft in 2014 to reach a distant asteroid, contributing to the country's space programs. The completion of H-2A lets him put more resources into further development of the H3, Suzuki said. Japan sees a stable, commercially competitive space transport capability as key to its space program and national security, and has been developing two new flagship rockets as successors of the H-2A series — the larger H3 with Mitsubishi, and a much smaller Epsilon system with the aerospace unit of the heavy machinery maker IHI. It hopes to cater to diverse customer needs and improve its position in the growing satellite launch market. The H3, is designed to carry larger payloads than the H-2A at about half its launch cost to be globally competitive, though officials say more cost reduction efforts are needed to achieve better price competitiveness in the global market. The H3 has made four consecutive successful flights after a failed debut attempt in 2023, when the rocket had to be destroyed with its payload.
