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🗞️ Driving the news: Japan successfully launched its GOSAT-GW climate monitoring satellite aboard the H-2A rocket on its final flight, marking the 50th and last mission of the country's flagship launch vehicle
• The rocket lifted off from Tanegashima Space Center on June 29 and deployed the satellite into orbit 16 minutes later
• This launch concludes over two decades of H-2A operations, which will now be succeeded by the more cost-efficient H3 rocket
🔭 The context: Since its debut in 2001, the H-2A has played a central role in Japan’s space program, achieving a 98% success rate across 50 launches
• It supported high-profile missions including the Hayabusa2 asteroid probe and the SLIM moon lander
• Japan is transitioning to the H3 rocket to enhance payload capacity and reduce launch costs, key to securing a stronger position in the competitive global satellite market
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The GOSAT-GW satellite is part of Japan's commitment to global climate observation
• It will monitor key greenhouse gases — including CO₂ and methane — and gather data on precipitation and sea surface temperatures with high resolution
• The data, shared internationally (e.g., with NOAA), will strengthen climate models and support global efforts in emissions tracking and water cycle analysis
⏭️ What's next: The H3 rocket will take over as Japan's main orbital launch vehicle, with the government aiming to expand satellite launch services and meet growing international demand
• Within a year, GOSAT-GW is expected to begin real-time climate data sharing
• Japan is also scaling up its Epsilon launch system for smaller payloads, reflecting a strategy to serve both commercial and scientific missions more flexibly
💬 One quote: “It is a deeply emotional moment for all of us at JAXA as a developer.” — Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
📈 One stat: The H-2A achieved a 49 out of 50 launch success record (98%) over 24 years of service.
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