Japan conducts engine combustion test for new low-cost H3 rocket

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency conducted an engine combustion test for the sixth H3 rocket Sunday at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Unlike the other H3 rockets, the sixth edition is a low-cost model without auxiliary rockets on the sides. The latest test came after JAXA took countermeasures for problems found during the last test in July, including one with pressurization.

A countdown was held after the 57-meter-long rocket was moved from the assembly building to the launch site. With the rocket still fixed to the launch pad, the engine was started and ran for approximately 50 seconds.

The space agency will review the acquired data from the test and prepare for the yet-to-be-scheduled launch.

Launches of H3 rockets, which uses liquid and disposable fuel, have been halted since the failure to place a satellite into orbit last December, prompting JAXA to launch an investigation.

Damage to the satellite mount is suspected as the cause, according to sources familiar with the matter, thus the body of the sixth rocket may require some kind of modification if it is found to have the same issue.