Japan’s H3 rocket experienced a significant setback during its latest launch, resulting in the loss of the QZS-5 navigation satellite due to a second-stage failure. The rocket, designed to enhance Japan’s independent access to space, faced telemetry issues leading to delays and an early shutdown of the second-stage engine. This incident follows a previous failed launch earlier in the year and raises concerns over the reliability of the H3 program, despite prior successes. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has established a task force to investigate the anomaly, which could impact upcoming missions, including critical satellites and the Martian Moons eXploration mission planned for late 2026, amidst intensifying global competition in the launch market.