H3 Rocket

The H3 Launch Vehicle is an medium lift expendable launch system being developed by Mitsubishi in cooperation with JAXA.  The H3 is an advanced liquid-propellant rockets with strap-on solid rocket boosters and are planned to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. Mitsubishi and JAXA are responsible for the design, manufacture, and operation of the H3.

As of July 2015, the minimum configuration is to carry a payload of up to 4 tonnes into sun-synchronous orbit for about 5 billion yen, and the maximum configuration is to carry more than 6.5 tonnes into geostationary transfer orbit. The H3-24 variant will deliver more than 6 tonnes of payload to lunar transfer orbit.

The first H3 is planned to be launched in the fiscal year 2020

MHI has been building the H2 To meet global launch service demands for a wide range of payloads JAXA and MHI has been developing the H3 as a next-generation launch vehicle for Japan.

To offer even better launch services, the H3 will provide more launch opportunities by shortening the lead-time from contract to launch.

Moreover, the H3 will offer enhanced reliability through improved hardware and software. It will also be designed to provide a more relaxing satellite interface environment for customers.

In addition, costs will be drastically reduced by automating assembly and utilizing commercially available components. The maiden flight of H3 is planned in 2020.