Japan’s newest flagship missile received a self-destruct command after one of its engines failed.
According to Ukrinform correspondent, Xinhua writes this with reference to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
“According to schedule, the 57-metre-long rocket on Tuesday took off from the launch pad at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan, but was ordered to self-destruct within minutes of takeoff because its Stage II engine failed,” he said.
He said there have been several canceled attempts in recent months prior to this failed launch. “The H3 rocket is the successor to the Japanese H2A rocket, which previously served as the main launch vehicle and carries a surveillance satellite designed to help respond to natural disasters,” said Xinhua.
As you know, Japan operates the International Space Station jointly with the USA, Canada, EU and Russia.
Photo: KYODO/Reuters