Overview
- JAXA confirmed the H3 No. 8’s second-stage engine shut down early about 25–30 minutes after liftoff from the Tanegashima Space Center.
- Telemetry indicated the second-stage hydrogen tank pressure began falling roughly 3–4 minutes into flight, and sensors recorded an abnormally large shock at fairing separation.
- Michibiki No. 5 was not inserted into its planned orbit and its condition remains unclear, according to JAXA.
- Agency officials said no further H3 launches will proceed until the cause is identified and countermeasures are validated.
- Government ministers apologized and pledged to rebuild trust, with the pause expected to delay the Michibiki network and other missions as Epsilon S development remains stalled.