Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully launched the 50th and final H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center on June 29, 2025. The launch carried the Global Observing Satellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW), also known as Ibuki-GW, into orbit. This mission marks the end of the H-IIA rocket series, which has been operational since 2001.
GOSAT-GW is designed to monitor environmental changes, focusing on sea surface temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations. The satellite is equipped with the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 3 (AMSR3) and the Greenhouse Gases Observation Sensor (TANSO-3). AMSR3 measures water cycles and sea surface temperature fluctuations, while TANSO-3 monitors atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The H-IIA series achieved a 98% success rate over 24 years, deploying numerous satellites and probes. Japan is now transitioning to the H3 rocket series, aiming for comparable performance at a lower cost. This successful launch highlights Japan's commitment to space technology and environmental monitoring, contributing to global climate change efforts.