Mitsubishi Heavy Postpones H2A Rocket Launch for the Second Time

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has announced the cancellation of the 49th launch of its H2A rocket, citing unfavorable upper-level winds as the reason. The rocket was scheduled to launch at 2:24 p.m. on Monday from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, carrying the Radar 8 intelligence-gathering satellite. However, officials decided that the wind conditions were not safe for liftoff.

This is the second time this month that the launch has been delayed. The first postponement was due to a forecast of thunderstorms on September 11.

"Weather conditions have been particularly challenging following Typhoon Bebinca," said Tatsuru Tokunaga, the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries official overseeing the launch. "While it's disappointing, safety is our top priority."

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will announce a new launch date once it has been determined.

Radar 8, the satellite intended for this launch, is designed to capture radar images regardless of time of day or weather conditions. It will be used to monitor North Korean missile facilities and assess damage from natural disasters.

Upper-level wind conditions are crucial for launch safety, as they affect whether debris could land outside the designated safety zone if a malfunction occurs. According to Michio Kawakami, a JAXA safety manager, the easterly winds were particularly strong at 20 kilometers per hour, surpassing the safety limits established by JAXA.

Kawakami noted that even small changes in wind speed at high altitudes can affect the rocket’s trajectory and safety.

When asked about the potential impact of climate change on launch delays, Tokunaga said, "It’s difficult to draw direct comparisons without data from other countries."

Kawakami added, "We have certainly observed shifts in weather patterns."

Both officials acknowledged that while challenging weather conditions may continue, they are committed to carefully assessing the next possible launch window. They also noted that significant delays remain a possibility.

In addition to weather-related challenges, the H2A program is facing issues with high launch costs and aging infrastructure. The program is set to conclude with the 50th launch later this fiscal year before transitioning to the newer H3 rocket. The fourth H3 rocket launch is scheduled for October 20.

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