Japan's H3 Rocket Suffers Major Setback, Fails During 7th Launch Attempt

Second-Stage Engine Failure Ends Mission Prematurely

Japan's ambitious H3 rocket program has hit another major snag. The nation's space agency, JAXA, announced on Monday, December 22, 2025, that the seventh attempt to launch the next-generation vehicle failed mid-flight.

According to the agency, the failure occurred approximately 30 minutes after a seemingly successful liftoff from the Tanegashima Space Center. The rocket, which was carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite, suffered a critical anomaly when its second-stage engine "experienced a premature end of engine burn." JAXA stated it is now investigating the precise cause of the malfunction.

The H3 is Japan's successor to the reliable H-IIA rocket, designed to be more cost-effective and competitive in the global commercial launch market. However, its development has been plagued by delays and previous failures. This latest incident is a significant blow to Japan's goals of securing independent and commercially viable access to space.

PRISM Insight: This failure isn't just a technical glitch; it's a critical blow to Japan's ambitions in the fiercely competitive commercial launch market. As players like SpaceX make rocket launches look routine, repeated setbacks for the H3 program raise serious questions about what it will take for national agencies to build and maintain competitive, reliable launch systems in the New Space era.