Japan's H3 rocket launch aborted

Japan’s space agency on Friday aborted a planned launch of its new flagship rocket H3 series, fitted with an experimental infrared sensor that can detect missile launches. At count zero, the rocket's side boosters failed to ignite, with only the main engine functioning.

When it is launched, the H3 will carry an optical satellite with defense ministry-developed test infrared sensors primarily for disaster monitoring. It can also be used to detect ballistic missile launches. Mitsubishi Heavy and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency co-developed their new flagship H3 rocket as the successor to the H2A, which is set to retire in 2024.