Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Launch Services

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Launch Services (MHI Launch Services) is the commercial launch services entity of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), marketing Japan's H-IIA and H3 rockets to international commercial and institutional customers. MHI has been Japan's primary rocket manufacturer since the H-I era and is the prime contractor for JAXA's launch vehicle programs.

The H3 rocket, developed by JAXA and MHI, is Japan's next-generation launch vehicle replacing the H-IIA. H3 uses the LE-9 liquid oxygen/liquid hydrogen engine and solid rocket boosters in various configurations, targeting payload capacity of up to 6,500 kg to GTO. H3's first successful launch was in February 2024 following a failed first attempt in 2023.

MHI also manufactures the Epsilon solid rocket for JAXA's smaller satellite missions and the H-IIA (now retiring) for institutional payloads. Commercial customers for Japanese launch services have included JAXA earth observation satellites, Japanese government intelligence satellites, and international communications satellites.

As Japan ramps up commercial space activity, MHI Launch Services is positioned to offer competitive medium-heavy lift access to GTO and LEO for both Japanese government missions and international commercial operators.