Final Unit of H2A Successfully Launches Global Warming Monitor Satellite in Orbit, New Generation H3 Standing By

 

June 29, 2025

H2A Rocket Unit 50 launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture at 1:33 a.m. on the 29th

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched the final H2A rocket, the 50th in the series, early on Saturday, placing the “Ibuki GW” satellite, which monitors greenhouse gases, into its target orbit in space.

This marks the 49th successful launch out of 50 attempts. After more than 20 years of supporting Japan's space development, the H2A rocket has concluded its mission with a successful final launch, passing the baton to its successor, the H3 rocket. 

The H2A rocket No. 50 was launched at 1:33 a.m. on the 29th from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The separation of the solid rocket boosters and the fairing, which protects the satellite from high temperatures and vibrations, as well as the combustion of the second-stage engine, proceeded as planned. Approximately 16 minutes later, the “Ibuki GW” was separated and successfully placed into its target orbit in space.

The H2A is a large-scale core rocket developed as the successor to the H2.It completed its first launch in 2001 and has since achieved success in all launches except for the sixth mission in 2003.

It has been responsible for launching numerous satellites essential to Japan's national security and social infrastructure, including information-gathering satellites and weather satellites operated by the Cabinet Secretariat, as well as the asteroid probe “Hayabusa 2” and the lunar probe “SLIM (Slim),” which achieved Japan's first lunar landing.

Ambitous Airline from Japan Eyes to Restart its International Service from New Airport

 

Skymark Aims to Reenter the International Market---The independent Japanese airline once challenged international service

12 June 2025

The Editor

In conjunction with the start of international flight service of Kobe Airport,  Skymark Airlines announced in its May 15, 2025 financial results that it will re-enter the international flight market.

 First, Skymark will operate several charter flights in FY2025 to study the business potential for international flight development. It is also clearly stated in its annual business policy.

 Although Skymark has not clarified the Japanese origin and destination, Kobe Airport is expected. as Kobe Airport is Skymark's Kansai base; it opened its Terminal 2 building on April 18, 2025 and began accepting international charter flights.

 Kobe Airport aims to begin operating scheduled international flights around 2030, and Skymark is expected to look to switch from charter flights to scheduled flights around that time.

Kobe Airport (UKB), Obayashi Corp.

Are destinations in East Asia?

Overseas destinations are also undecided, but since the company only owns Boeing 737 aircraft, it is expected to be in East Asia.

 Previous international charter flights from Kobe Airport have been to Incheon, Shanghai, Nanjing, Taipei, and Taichung. Skymark is also likely to offer flights to any of these three countries.

 We do not know whether Skymark will fly to/from airports that overlap with these countries or choose different airports, but if they aim for different cities, Busan, Kaohsiung, or Hong Kong would be candidates.

Will the Saipan route be revived?

Skymark made its first foray into international flights with the Narita-Saipan in November 2019. However, the service was forced to be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it has not been restored.

 The Marianas Visitors Authority has been pushing Skymark to reopen the Saipan route. Therefore, the resumption of the Saipan route would be considered. However, inbound traffic has been stronger recently than in 2019, and the Saipan route, with its strong outbound traffic, may not seem to be a high priority.

 Still, a variety of destinations will be considered during the charter phase, and the Saipan route will likely be revived as one of them.■