On Tuesday, Japan's new medium-lift rocket failed to launch successfully on its maiden flight in space. The rocket's second-stage engine did not ignite as intended, causing a setback to Japan's ambitions to reduce the cost of accessing space and compete against SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk.
Live-streamed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the 57-metre (187 ft) tall H3 rocket successfully lifted off from the Tanegashima space port without any issues.
Upon entering space, the rocket's second-stage engine malfunctioned, resulting in mission officials having to manually destroy the vehicle.
A launch broadcast commentator from JAXA was quoted saying, "It was decided the rocket could not complete its mission, so the destruct command was sent. So what happened? It's something we will have to investigate looking at all the data."
The failed launch came after an unsuccessful attempt last month.
"This will have a serious impact on Japan's future space policy, space business and technological competitiveness", he further added.
The H3 rocket's successful launch on Tuesday would have allowed Japan to outpace the European Space Agency's new lower-cost Ariane 6 vehicle, scheduled to launch later this year.
The H3, powered by a more affordable, 3D-printed engine, is designed to transport government and commercial satellites into Earth orbit and supply the International Space Station.
Furthermore, Japan aims to increase its space cooperation with the United States by using theH3 to transport cargo to NASA's planned Gateway lunar space station, including Japanese astronauts for its program to return people to the moon.
