tech
Japan lost a 5-ton navigation satellite when it fell off a rocket during launch
Imagine: You lost your car’s cargo rack, but didn’t notice until you reached your destination.
TL;DR
- The eighth flight of Japan's H3 rocket failed after the payload fairing separated, causing the Michibiki 5 satellite to detach.
- Debris was observed around the satellite after fairing separation, which then began to wobble and detach.
- The satellite fell into the Pacific Ocean, similar to the first stage's impact zone.
- A pressure drop was detected in the second stage's liquid hydrogen tank, likely due to damaged pressurization piping from the satellite's mounting structure.
- The second stage engine lost thrust but reached a low orbit due to the absence of the payload, before reentering the atmosphere.
- Potential causes still under investigation include impact between the fairing and satellite, sudden release of residual strain energy, or leakage of combustible substances.
- The H3 rocket has had six successful launches in eight flights, with the debut launch failing due to an ignition issue.
- The investigation must be completed to clear the H3 for the upcoming Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) mission in October.