"Japan's Successful Second Launch of H3 Rocket Marks Return to Orbit"

Japan successfully launches its second test model of the H3 rocket, a year after the inaugural flight failed. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have designed the H3 to replace the H-IIA, aiming for lower costs and greater payload capacity. The successful liftoff is a boost to Japan's space program, with plans to launch about 20 satellites and probes by 2030, including lunar exploration missions and cargo spacecraft for the US-led Artemis program. The H3's launch aims to compete with affordable commercial vehicles like SpaceX's Falcon 9, as other new rockets are being tested this year.