MHI has reported today that the final H-IIA rocket has been completed and it will be shipped to Tanegashima in the next few days.The payload is JAXA's GOSAT-GW per previous Japanese government documents.
Scheduled for Sep 28, 2024The final H-2A rocket is scheduled to be launched this fiscal year. The landing of the 50th rocket at Tanegashima will be broadcast live from Shimama Port. The start time of the work and the time of the live broadcast may change depending on the arrival time of the cargo ship. Any time changes will be announced on NVS's SNS. Mastodon https://mstdn.jp/@nvslive
Scheduled for Sep 29, 2024The final H-2A rocket is scheduled to be launched this fiscal year. The transportation of the 50th rocket to the Tanegashima Space Center will be live-streamed from Minamitane Town. The live stream may be changed or canceled without notice due to weather conditions.
The final H-IIA rocket, No. 50, departs for Tanegashima Space Center
The rocket’s 50th launch will be its last. The final H-2A core stage is now completed and is scheduled for shipment to the Tanegashima Space Center, MHI announced in a Sept. 25 statement. That launch, expected in late 2024, will carry the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gasses and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) satellite.
Ascending node:13:30±15 minutes(Same as GCOM-W (SHIZUKU))
Last launch of H2A rocket, delayed satellite development, postponed to next fiscal year9th December 2024The launch of the 50th and final H2A rocket, which has been in operation for many years as Japan's main rocket, is expected to be postponed to next fiscal year due to delays in the development of the satellites to be carried on it.[...]The launch of the 50th satellite, which will be the last one, was scheduled to take place during this fiscal year, but according to the revised schedule of the schedule for future space development presented by the Space Policy Committee of the Cabinet Office on the 9th, it is expected to be postponed to the next fiscal year.According to the Cabinet Office, the reason for the postponement is the delay in the development of satellites to observe greenhouse gases mounted on rockets.[...](Google Translate from Japanese)
[#H2A最終号機🚀 ]The third time was the VOS (body standing up) of the core vehicle. Preparations for launch have finally begun! I can't stop staring at its majestic, towering form!
QuoteComtech Telecommunications Corp. (“Comtech”), pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission’s rules, hereby requests Special Temporary Authority (“STA”) to operate its fixed transmit/receive earth station at Yona, Guam for a period of up to 180 days to communicate with satellites to be launched during this period by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (“JAXA”). Comtech has provided similar services under previously granted STAs under ICFS File Nos. SES-STA-20231025-02265 and SES-STA-20240409-00796, the latter of which expired in December 2024.The new STA is intended to cover multiple launches using H2A and H3 launch vehicles during which Comtech’s monitoring services will be required. The first launch using an H2A rocket (F50) is expected to occur as early as June 1, 2025. The payload to be placed in earth orbit will be the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center (“TNSC”) in Japan.[...]
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (“Comtech”), pursuant to Section 25.120 of the Commission’s rules, hereby requests Special Temporary Authority (“STA”) to operate its fixed transmit/receive earth station at Yona, Guam for a period of up to 180 days to communicate with satellites to be launched during this period by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (“JAXA”). Comtech has provided similar services under previously granted STAs under ICFS File Nos. SES-STA-20231025-02265 and SES-STA-20240409-00796, the latter of which expired in December 2024.The new STA is intended to cover multiple launches using H2A and H3 launch vehicles during which Comtech’s monitoring services will be required. The first launch using an H2A rocket (F50) is expected to occur as early as June 1, 2025. The payload to be placed in earth orbit will be the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW) to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center (“TNSC”) in Japan.[...]
2025-04-23 16:10The last H2A to be launched on June 24th = No. 50, carrying an observation satellite - Tanegashima, KagoshimaOn the 23rd, it was learned from an interview with a related person that the final H2A rocket No. 50, which began operation in 2001, will be launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on June 24th. The H2A will now be retired and replaced by the successor H3 rocket....The 50th launch was originally scheduled for last year, but was postponed due to delays in the development of the Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle Observation Satellite GOSAT-GW, which it will be carrying.
The final launch of Japan's flagship H2A rocket, No. 50, is scheduled for next month. On the 20th, the satellite that will be on board was unveiled at the Tanegashima Space Center.
(JAXA GOSAT-GW Project Manager Yasushi Kojima) "It is very moving to launch the final H2A rocket. We are grateful, but at the same time, we hope that the final rocket will be launched properly."The H2A No. 50 is scheduled to be launched from the Tanegashima Space Center on the 24th of next month.
241218Z JUN 25HYDROPAC 1644/25(81,97).PHILIPPINE SEA.DNC 12.1. HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, ROCKET LAUNCHING 281638Z TO 281724Z, ALTERNATE 1638Z TO 1724Z DAILY 29 JUN THRU 30 JUL. IN AREAS BOUND BY: A. 29-15.49N 133-49.00E, 29-38.00N 133-03.00E, 29-15.00N 132-52.00E, 28-54.56N 133-33.77E, 29-07.00N 133-46.16E, 29-12.92N 133-49.00E. B. 26-30.00N 135-28.03E, 26-30.00N 134-56.44E, 26-18.02N 134-40.00E, 25-54.82N 134-40.00E, 25-16.00N 135-08.14E, 25-16.00N 135-39.00E, 25-28.75N 135-56.00E, 25-51.97N 135-56.00E. C. 13-44.00N 133-48.00E, 13-45.00N 132-02.00E, 11-01.00N 132-01.00E, 11-01.00N 133-47.00E.2. CANCEL THIS MSG 301824Z JUN 25.
Is the usual mission book with the launch timeline available? I can't seem to find it anywhere
Terminal countdown operation has started. #H2AF5012:02 AM · Jun 28, 2025·
Terminal countdown operation ongoing. #H2AF50
Orbital launch no. 140 of 2024 🇯🇵🚀🛰️GOSAT-GW | MHI | June 28 | 1633 UTC@MHI_LS to launch GOSAT-GWearth observation🛰️ (Ibuki-GW) on the 50th and last flight of its H-IIA🚀from Tanegashima space center to SSO (Sun-Synchronous Orbit).
Nobody covering this?On-time liftoff, good first stage flight, fairing sep, currently in 2nd stage flight.
Quote from: IanO on 06/28/2025 04:43 pmNobody covering this?On-time liftoff, good first stage flight, fairing sep, currently in 2nd stage flight.Where is everybody nowadays?
Quote from: ZachS09 on 06/28/2025 07:37 pmQuote from: IanO on 06/28/2025 04:43 pmNobody covering this?On-time liftoff, good first stage flight, fairing sep, currently in 2nd stage flight.Where is everybody nowadays?FutureSpaceTourist has been away for over a month, possibly for a job assignment. That leaves me, and I'm providing 24/7 care for a dementia patient, which I can only do when that person is asleep or watching TV. That leaves the mods of this section, and they don’t have the time. I've been trying to recruit and train, but not everyone is willing to commit. Like today, when I'm not available during the launch, I try to backfill with what I can.(Tired) Tony
June 29, 2025 (JST) The Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) was successfully launched on the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 50 from the Tanegashima Space Center at 1:33:03 on June 29, 2025 (JST). The full deployment of its solar array paddles was confirmed by telemetry data received from "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) at the JAXA Mingenew Station in Australia at 1:51 on the same day (JST). Following this, telemetry data from "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) was received at the Troll Satellite Station in Antarctica at 2:12 (JST), and it was confirmed that "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) is now in nominal condition with Sun Acquisition Mode.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the solar array paddles deployment was successfully performed by receiving telemetry from the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW).The following are images of “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW) solar array paddles received at the Santiago Station in Chile on June 29, 2025 at 2:25(JST).
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is carefully proceeding the analysis and evaluation of various telemetry data obtained from the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW), as well as verification of its functions. Based on the results of these functional checks, we are reviewing the operational plan as appropriate and have updated it to postpone the AMSR3*1 antenna deployment*2 by approximately one day.The condition of “IBUKI GW,” including AMSR3, is nominal.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the AMSR3*1 antenna deployment*2 was successfully performed by receiving telemetry from the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW). The following is actual photo of the AMSR3 antenna received at the Kiruna Station in Sweden on June 30 2025 at 14:57 (JST).
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the AMSR3 initial run-up*1 was successfully performed by receiving telemetry from the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW).The following are images of the initial run-up received at the Kiruna Station in Sweden on June 30 2025 at 19:45 (JST).
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully confirmed the critical operations phase*1 of the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW). JAXA received telemetry data confirming that the deployment of the solar array paddles and a series of operations for mission payloads (the antenna deployment and the initial run-up of AMSR3*2 and release of the pointing mirror lock for TANSO-3*3 *4), have been completed, and that the satellite is in a stable condition to remain in orbit. With this confirmation, the critical operations phase was completed. "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW) will move on to the initial functional verification operations phase*5, to verify the functions of the onboard instruments over a period of approximately three months. JAXA conveys a deep appreciation for the cooperation and support of everyone involved in the launch and tracking and control of "IBUKI GW" (GOSAT-GW), including the government agencies, the prime contractor, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, and all the companies and organizations involved in the development, manufacture and operation of the satellite.
The Greenhouse Gases and Water Cycle Observing Satellite "IBUKI-GW" (GOSAT-GW) *1, jointly developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Ministry of the Environment, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), was launched on June 29, 2025, and is currently undergoing initial functional verification operations *2 . From July 14 to 20, the first observations were made by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Sensor-3 ( TANSO -3), one of the sensors onboard the satellite, *3 and it was confirmed that TANSO-3 was operating normally.
The Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW)*1 was successfully launched on June 29, 2025 (Japan Standard Time) and entered its nominal operational orbit on July 20. Antenna of the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3 (AMSR3)*2, which is one of mission payloads, was set to rotate at a speed of 40 revolutions per minute to ensure stable observations, and AMSR3 started collecting observation data*3 as part of the satellite’s initial functional verification operations activity*4 since August 11. The Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) series is a sensor to observe weak microwaves naturally emitted and/or scattered from the land and ocean surfaces and in the atmosphere. Since it can estimate various water-related geophysical parameters, including sea surface temperature and precipitation, its observation data contributes to wide areas, which are operational utilization for weather forecasting, fisheries, safe ship navigation, etc., as well as monitoring of global water cycle variation and climate change. AMSR3 succeeds continuous observations by AMSR-E on board the US Aqua satellite, launched in 2002, and AMSR2 on board the GCOM-W satellite, launched in 2012, and has additional five new channels (see Figure 1, to be more precise, 10.3 GHz Vertical Polarization (V-Pol.) and Horizontal Polarization (H-Pol.)*5, and V-Pol. of 165.5, 183.3±7 and 183.3±3 GHz). Previous microwave radiometers including AMSR2 have difficulty in observing snowfall in high-latitudes, however, observation channels of 165.5 to 183.3 GHz newly added to AMSR3 enables to estimate complete view of global precipitation (both rain and snow) including high-latitudes in detail. Furthermore, those channels can also provide water vapor profile information, which is important for weather forecasting. This is expected to contribute to improving the forecast accuracy of heavy rainfall and extent, track and intensity changes of tropical cyclones. Also, additional observation channels in 10 GHz with improved temperature resolution and reduced noises help to produce robust sea surface temperature, which is utilized in fisheries, in higher spatial resolution.
