H-IIA Launch Vehicle

The H-IIA is Japan workhorse liquid-propellant launch vehicle, developed by JAXA and operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries since 2001. Built on heritage from the H-II rocket, the H-IIA incorporates improved reliability and performance with two LE-7A main engines on the first stage and an LE-5B on the upper stage, both burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Multiple configurations are available with optional solid rocket boosters (SRB-A) to increase payload capacity. The H-IIA successfully launched numerous Earth observation, meteorological, and scientific satellites as well as interplanetary missions. It achieved a remarkable reliability record with over 40 consecutive successful launches, cementing Japan reputation as a trusted launch provider. The H-IIA has placed Japan major satellites in geostationary orbit and launched the Hayabusa2 asteroid explorer in 2014.