Japan's struggling flagship H3 rocket returns to flight with the debut of a low-cost variant

Japan’s H3 rocket returned to flight with a new low-cost “30 configuration,” reached its target orbit and deployed six small satellites.
The success is a relief after two earlier H3 failures and a months-long grounding, restoring momentum for Japan’s space program.
H3 is meant to be a more cost-competitive launcher (against players like SpaceX); JAXA and Mitsubishi aim for 6–8 H3 launches a year and are eyeing missions like Mars 2028.