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The Resumption of Launching
About a year has passed since the H-IIA F6 accident. Since then, JAXA has been relentless in its efforts to maximize reliability for the next H-IIA launch.
Accident investigators carried out a complete overhaul of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle, and thoroughly examined its basic design. As a result, the new H-IIA Launch Vehicle has achieved a high reliability rating, and has received the go-ahead for the resumption of launching. Launch operations are now in progress at the Tanegashima Space Center.
"The Resumption of Launching," Jiro Kochiyama, Project Manager, H-IIA Launch Vehicle Project Team
Maximizing Reliability of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle Maximizing Reliability of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle


Maximizing Reliability
With guidance from the Space Activities Commission, JAXA has been investigating the cause of the H-IIA F6 accident, and working on improvements for the next H-IIA launch. We are also evaluating all the applied-science and technology departments - such as those that handle rocket launches, satellite development and operations - so we can improve our systems and organization to ensure successful missions.
Reliability Improvements
"Achieving World-Leading Space Development" Setsuro Sekiya, Director, Office of Reliability Promotion and Evaluation
"Building a Better Organization to Guarantee Successful Missions" Hideo Hasegawa, Director, Safety and Mission Assurance Department
H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.6 Why did the accident happen? The launch of H-IIA F6 ended in failure on November 29, 2003. The accident has been thoroughly studied in order to understand its causes and apply these lessons in the future.

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