The H3 rocket recently launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was destroyed after the second-stage engine failed to ignite. The rocket was carrying the ALOS-3 satellite, equipped with an experimental infrared sensor intended to detect North Korean ballistic missile launches. The mission had been a partnership between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy, and the rocket was sent to a 669-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit in the hope of imaging at a 0.8-meter resolution over a 70 kilometer range. ALOS-2 remains in orbit, but ALOS-1 was taken offline following a suspected meteorite hit.
Japan’s new H3 rocket had a self-destruct command issued after launch.
