Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW satellite, a climate change monitoring satellite, aboard the H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center. This was the 50th and final flight of the H-2A rocket, marking the end of its 24-year operational journey.
Key Highlights
- The H-2A rocket placed GOSAT-GW (Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle) into orbit.
- The launch signifies Japan’s efforts to combat climate change through advanced space-based monitoring.
- H-2A rocket will now be replaced by the H3 rocket, aimed at delivering similar performance at nearly half the cost.
- The mission enhances Japan’s environmental monitoring capabilities and strengthens its position in the global space sector.
About H-2A Rocket
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Liquid-fuel rocket with two solid-fuel boosters |
| Developer | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries |
| First Launch | 2001 |
| Final Launch (50th) | 2025 |
| Success Rate | 98% (49 successful, 1 failure in 2003) |
| Key Missions | Hayabusa2 (asteroid), Akatsuki (Venus), SLIM (Moon lander) |
| Orbit Capabilities | Geostationary orbit, lunar missions |
| Replaced by | H3 rocket – larger payloads, lower costs |
H3 Rocket- The Successor
- Jointly developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
- Carries larger payloads than H-2A.
- Aims to reduce launch cost by around 50%.
- Made four successful launches after a failed debut in 2023.
- Intended to make Japan’s space program more commercially competitive globally.
About GOSAT-GW Satellite
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle |
| Mission Purpose | Monitor greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄) and water cycle parameters |
| Series | Follows GOSAT-1 (IBUKI, 2009) and GCOM-W2 (SHIZUKU, 2012) |
| Main Instruments | 1. TANSO (Greenhouse Gas Observation Sensor)2. Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMSR) |
| Key Parameters | Sea surface temperatures, precipitation, carbon levels |
| Data Availability | Will begin providing high-resolution global climate data within one year |
| End Users | NOAA (U.S.), international agencies |
Strategic & Global Relevance
- Japan reinforces its commitment to global climate goals and data sharing through satellite-based Earth observation.
- The transition from H-2A to H3 symbolizes Japan’s move toward cost-effective, high-capability space launches.
- The launch supports international climate monitoring infrastructure, including partnerships with agencies like NOAA.