Japan's new flagship H3 rocket fails to put geolocation satellite into orbit

Japan’s space agency says its H3 rocket failed to place a navigation satellite into orbit. This marks a setback for the country’s new flagship rocket and space launch program. Monday’s failure was the second for the H3 rocket after its botched first flight in 2023. The rocket took off from the Tanegashima space center, but its second stage engine unexpectedly shut down prematurely. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is investigating the cause. Officials say the failure is regrettable and delays Japan’s plans to establish an independent geolocation system. The H3 rocket is designed to be globally competitive.