When did H3 first fly?

H3 had its first flight in 2024, operated by JAXA/MHI. Current status: active.

What's the payload capacity of H3?

H3 can lift up to 16.5 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 6.5 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).

H3 stands 57 metres tall with a diameter of 5.2 metres. Total thrust at liftoff: 9,000 kN across 2 stages.

No, H3 is expendable — boosters and upper stages are not recovered for reflight.

active New Space · Japan

Name: H3
Brand: JAXA/MHI

Japan's new main launch vehicle replacing H-IIA. LE-9 engines with no turbopumps. Aims to halve launch costs. Three variants from H3-22S to H3-24L.

Height

57 m

Diameter

5.2 m

Payload to LEO

16.5 t

Payload to GTO

6.5 t

Thrust at liftoff

9,000 kN

Stages

Reusable

First flight

2024

Propellant

LH2/LOX

When did H3 first fly?: H3 had its first flight in 2024, operated by JAXA/MHI. Current status: active.
What's the payload capacity of H3?: H3 can lift up to 16.5 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 6.5 tonnes to Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
How tall is H3?: H3 stands 57 metres tall with a diameter of 5.2 metres. Total thrust at liftoff: 9,000 kN across 2 stages.
Is H3 reusable?: No, H3 is expendable — boosters and upper stages are not recovered for reflight.