HIIB rocket

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has signed an agreement with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to begin satellite launch services using H-IIB rockets.

Under the new agreement, MHI will now handle all manufacturing and launch activities, beginning with H-IIB No.4. MHI had crucial role in the rocket’s manufacturing process.

However, JAXA will undertake aspects such as flight data acquisition and range safety management, including ground safety confirmation and flight safety assurance.

"The H-IIB rocket can launch satellites weighing up to 8t into geostationary transfer orbit, compared with the payload of 6t by the H-IIA."

The agreement follows H-IIB Launch Vehicle No.3 (H-IIB F3), which went into orbit with cargo transfer vehicle HTV-3 (Kounotori 3) onboard to the International Space Station on 21 July.

The H-IIB rocket can launch satellites weighing up to 8t into geostationary transfer orbit, compared with the payload of 6t by the H-IIA. This capacity will enable the company to launch larger satellites, including communication units.

MHI has been commissioned to launch H-IIA rocket since 2007; it is looking to tap into international markets for varied launch requirements.

In line with this plan, MHI intends to boost its global competitiveness through continuous cost reduction efforts and quality enhancement activities.

The first H-IIB was launched in September 2009 and has carried three robotic HTV cargo spaceships to resupply the International Space Station.

In the first stage, the rocket uses liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen as propellants and has four strap-on solid rocket boosters (SRB-A3) powered by polybutadiene, while the second stage is powered by a single LE-5B engine.

Image: H-IIB rocket can launch satellites weighing up to 8t into geostationary transfer orbit, compared with the payload of 6t by the H-IIA. Photo: Naritama (NARITA Masahiro).