Japan\u2019s space agency toasted a successful blast-off for its new flagship rocket on Saturday, making it third time lucky after years of delays and two previous failed attempts. The next-generation H3 has been mooted as a rival to SpaceX\u2019s Falcon 9, and could one day deliver cargo to bases on the Moon. \u201cI\u2019ve been in the space industry for a long time, but I\u2019ve never felt so happy before, and I\u2019ve never felt so relieved,\u201d said Hiroshi Yamakawa, president of space agency JAXA. The latest launch follows Japan\u2019s successful landing last month of an unmanned probe on the Moon \u2014 albeit at a wonky angle \u2014 making it just the fifth country to land a craft on the lunar surface. The H3 launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan at 9:22 am. Cheers and applause could be heard from the JAXA control centre after the agency\u2019s live stream announced the H3\u2019s engines had successfully burned, meaning the rocket had made it into orbit. Developed jointly by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 is the successor to the H-IIA launch system, which debuted in 2001. Designed for \u201chigh flexibility, high reliability, and high cost performance\u201d, the craft will \u201cmaintain Japan\u2019s autonomous access to space\u201d, JAXA says. Unlike the reusable Falcon 9, the H3 is expendable, but scientists say the trial of its world-first technology is significant. \u201cThe H3 rocket has a unique and novel first-stage engine that delivers greater thrust compared to state-of-the-art rockets,\u201d said Michele Trenti, director of the Melbourne Space Laboratory at the University of Melbourne. The H3 \u201chas the potential to be the most cost-effective rocket\u201d, making the exploration of the solar system more affordable. Its maiden launch has been beset by mishaps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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