Archive · 29 Jun 2025
Japan Launches Final H-2A Rocket, Monitors Greenhouse Gases
Japan launched its last H-2A rocket.
This rocket sent up the GOSAT-GW satellite, which will watch for greenhouse gases like carbon and methane in the air.
The launch happened from Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan.
The H-2A rocket has been used since 2001 and is being replaced by a new rocket called H3.
The new rocket should cost less to launch.
GOSAT-GW will help scientists learn more about climate change.
Japan launched the final H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Centre.
The rocket carried the GOSAT-GW satellite into orbit.
GOSAT-GW will monitor greenhouse gases to aid in climate change efforts.
The H-2A rocket had a nearly perfect success record since 2001.
The H-2A is being replaced by the H3 rocket, designed to be more cost-effective.
- Who
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- What
- Japan launched the GOSAT-GW satellite and retired the H-2A rocket.
- When
- Saturday
- Where
- Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan
- Why
- To monitor greenhouse gases and transition to the H3 rocket.
- Rocket
- H-2A
- Satellite
- GOSAT-GW
- Mission
- Greenhouse gas monitoring
- Launch Site
- Tanegashima Space Centre
- Replacing Rocket
- H3
- Success Rate
- 98%
- Launch Date
- Saturday
