### Japan's H2A Rocket Program Concludes with Final Launch - On June 29, 2025, Japan successfully launched its 50th and final H2A rocket from Tanegashima, marking the end of a 24-year journey in space exploration and satellite deployment. The H2A rocket series has been pivotal in supporting Japan's space development program since its inception in 2001, achieving a near-perfect launch record throughout its operational life [https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/06/29/title-is-required][https://qazinform.com/news/japans-final-h2a-rocket-successfully-lifts-off-ends-24-yr-career-439914]. ### Structure of the H2A Rocket's Final Launch 1. **Launch Details** - The final launch took place on June 29, 2025, from the Tanegashima Space Centre, successfully deploying the GOSAT-GW satellite designed to monitor climate change [https://www.hindu.com/sci-tech/science/japan-launches-climate-change-monitoring-satellite-on-mainstay-h2a-rockets-last-flight/article69749805.ece][https://www.firstpost.com/world/japan-launches-final-h-2a-rocket-with-greenhouse-gas-monitoring-satellite-13901381.html]. 2. **Significance of the H2A Rocket** - The H2A rocket has been Japan's mainstay for launching satellites and scientific probes, completing 50 missions with a remarkable success rate since its debut [https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/japan-launches-climate-change-monitoring-satellite-on-mainstay-h2a-rockets-last-flight/article69749805.ece][https://news.az/news/japan-launches-h2a-rocket-for-final-time-shifts-to-h3]. 3. **Transition to H3 Rocket** - Following the retirement of the H2A, Japan will transition to the H3 rocket, which is already operational and set to take over as the country's primary launch vehicle [https://www.firstpost.com/world/japan-launches-final-h-2a-rocket-with-greenhouse-gas-monitoring-satellite-13901381.html][https://news.az/news/japan-launches-h2a-rocket-for-final-time-shifts-to-h3]. ### Supporting Evidence of H2A's Impact - **Launch Record**: The H2A rocket series has achieved a near-perfect launch success rate, underscoring its reliability in Japan's space missions. - **Satellite Deployment**: The final mission included the deployment of the GOSAT-GW satellite, which will play a crucial role in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the rocket's contribution to environmental science [https://www.hindu.com/sci-tech/science/japan-launches-climate-change-monitoring-satellite-on-mainstay-h2a-rockets-last-flight/article69749805.ece][https://wtop.com/world/2025/06/japan-launches-a-climate-change-monitoring-satellite-on-mainstay-h2a-rockets-last-flight]. ### Conclusion: A New Era in Japanese Space Exploration 1. **Final Launch Success**: The H2A rocket's last flight was a significant milestone, successfully deploying a satellite that will aid in climate monitoring. 2. **Legacy of H2A**: The H2A rocket has played a crucial role in Japan's space endeavors, with a legacy of reliability and success. 3. **Future with H3**: As Japan shifts to the H3 rocket, the country aims to continue its leadership in space exploration and satellite technology, building on the foundation laid by the H2A series [https://www.firstpost.com/world/japan-launches-final-h-2a-rocket-with-greenhouse-gas-monitoring-satellite-13901381.html][https://news.az/news/japan-launches-h2a-rocket-for-final-time-shifts-to-h3].