Japan launches information-gathering satellite on H2A rocket

Sep 26 (NHK) - A Japanese government information-gathering satellite has successfully been put into a planned orbit around Earth.

An H2A rocket carrying the satellite lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at 2:24 p.m. on Thursday.

The H2A jettisoned its booster rockets and first-stage engine before releasing the satellite into orbit.

Information-gathering satellites are designed to capture images of Earth's surface.

The satellites are used to monitor North Korea's missile-launching facilities and to assess the extent of damage in disasters, among other things.

The one launched on Thursday is a radar satellite that can take photos at night or in poor weather conditions. It will replace one currently in operation.

The H2A rocket, with Thursday's launch of the 49th in its series, has marked 43 consecutive successful launches, but faces challenges such as high costs.

It is slated to be replaced by its successor H3 rockets after the launch of the 50th rocket, planned during the current fiscal year by the end of March 2025.

Japanese Nationals Start Evacuation from Israel

As the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran continues, the evacuation of Japanese nationals from Israel has commenced.

Nippon Steel Wins Control of US Steel

Nippon Steel has completed its acquisition of US Steel, spending approximately 2 trillion yen over a period of 18 months. Speaking at a press conference the day after the announcement, Chairman Hashimoto emphasized that "profitability and management flexibility have been secured."

Japan Post to Lose License for 2500 Trucks

Japan Post is facing the suspension of approximately 2,500 trucks for five years after failing to appear at a hearing held by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism over improper safety checks on drivers. With no objection raised by Japan Post, the penalty is expected to be finalized as early as June.

Japan's Oldest Iron Bridge Discovered In Osaka

An iron bridge in Kumatori, Osaka Prefecture, has been identified as Japan's oldest existing iron bridge, having been repurposed from a railway bridge constructed 150 years ago. The Omiyabashi bridge, which spans a river in Kumatori, was completed in 1931, measuring approximately 21 meters long and 6 meters wide.

Kanako Kojima Suffers Major Facial Injury After Dog Bite

Actress Kanako Kojima has suffered a serious facial injury after being bitten by a dog, requiring around 30 stitches.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Sci-Tech NEWS

H2A Rocket Final Launch Postponed

The launch of the H2A rocket's final unit, originally scheduled for June 24th, has been postponed due to a malfunction in the rocket’s electrical system.

Honda Successfully Completes Japan’s First Reusable Rocket Landing Test

Honda has announced that it successfully completed a landing and takeoff experiment with a small rocket in Taiki Town, located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi region. This achievement marks the first time a Japanese private company has accomplished this feat.

Technologies Poised to Drive Future Growth

A new ranking of 'technologies that are attracting investment' has just been published, with an analysis of some of the most promising innovations.

Pioneering Technology That Expands Human Potential

Masahiko Inami, professor and deputy director at the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, is leading groundbreaking research into human augmentation—technology that expands human capabilities beyond natural limitations. Inspired by science fiction and driven by a vision of a more inclusive and creative future, Inami’s work aims not only to assist those with physical challenges but to elevate all individuals through the integration of new skills and sensory functions.

Japan’s Private Moon Landing Attempt Ends in Failure Again

Japan’s bid for a successful private-sector moon landing has ended in failure for the second time, after startup ispace announced that it lost communication with its lunar lander Resilience during the final descent.

Kyoto Researchers Launch Final Trial for Alzheimer’s Drug

Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) and pharmaceutical company Towa announced they began the final phase of clinical trials in May, aiming to treat Alzheimer’s disease using an existing medication.

Shizuoka Clears Final Water Hurdle for Linear Project as Implementation Phase Begins

A Shizuoka Prefecture expert panel overseeing environmental issues linked to the Linear Chuo Shinkansen project met on June 2nd and concluded all discussions related to water resources, ending over a decade of debate. Deputy Governor Hiraki described the outcome as "a major step forward."

JAXA Prepares New Unmanned Supply Craft for ISS Delivery

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on June 2nd unveiled its new unmanned cargo spacecraft, the HTV-X, at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture. Designed to transport supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), the HTV-X is undergoing final preparations for launch within fiscal 2025.

< 2 3 4 5 >