Japan’s Final H-2A Rocket Launch Advances Climate Change Monitoring and Supports Sustainable Development Goals

Successful Launch of Climate Change Monitoring Satellite

On Sunday, Japan successfully launched a climate change monitoring satellite aboard its H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. This mission marks the 50th and final flight of the H-2A rocket, which has been Japan’s mainstay launch vehicle since 2001. The satellite, named GOSAT-GW (Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle), was deployed into its planned orbit approximately 16 minutes after liftoff.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The GOSAT-GW satellite plays a critical role in supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action – By monitoring carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases, the satellite aids global efforts to mitigate climate change.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The satellite will provide high-resolution data on sea surface temperature and precipitation, contributing to ocean health monitoring.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Data from GOSAT-GW will be shared internationally, including with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, fostering global cooperation.

Technical and Operational Highlights

• The H-2A rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has achieved a 98% success rate over 50 launches since 2001.
• Operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries since 2007, the H-2A has been instrumental in deploying numerous satellites and probes, including the moon lander SLIM and the asteroid explorer Hayabusa2.
• Despite recent electrical system malfunctions causing delays, the launch was successfully completed, demonstrating resilience and reliability.

Transition to the Next Generation H3 Rocket

Following the retirement of the H-2A, Japan is transitioning to the H3 rocket as its new flagship launch vehicle. The H3 is designed to be more cost-competitive globally, carrying larger payloads at approximately half the launch cost of the H-2A. This development aligns with:

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Enhancing Japan’s space transport capabilities through innovation.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Strengthening the commercial satellite launch market to support economic development.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Supporting national security through stable space transport infrastructure.

Since its initial setback in 2023, the H3 rocket has successfully completed four consecutive flights, signaling progress toward Japan’s goal of maintaining a competitive position in the global space market.

Future Prospects and Strategic Importance

• Japan is also developing the smaller Epsilon rocket system to meet diverse customer needs in the satellite launch market.
• The country emphasizes the importance of stable and commercially competitive space transport capabilities as a cornerstone for its space program and national security.
• Continued advancements in satellite technology and launch vehicles contribute directly to achieving the SDGs by enabling better environmental monitoring and international data sharing.

Conclusion

The final flight of the H-2A rocket and the deployment of the GOSAT-GW satellite represent significant milestones in Japan’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action. Through technological innovation and international cooperation, Japan is advancing the global agenda to monitor and mitigate climate change while fostering economic growth and security in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses Japan’s launch of the GOSAT-GW satellite aimed at monitoring greenhouse gases and climate change, directly linking to climate action efforts.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The development and launch of advanced rockets (H-2A and H3) and satellites demonstrate innovation in space technology and infrastructure.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The satellite will provide data on sea surface temperature and precipitation, which are important for marine ecosystem monitoring.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration with international agencies such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for data sharing is highlighted.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning.
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including space technology.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development, research and innovation in developing countries.
3. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 13 (Climate Action)
   • Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.
   • Indicator related to monitoring greenhouse gas concentrations (carbon, methane) in the atmosphere via satellite data.
2. For SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
   • Indicator 9.5.1: Research and development expenditure as a proportion of GDP and number of researchers per million inhabitants.
   • Success rate of rocket launches (e.g., H-2A’s 98% success record) as a measure of technological capability and reliability.
3. For SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
   • Indicators related to sea surface temperature and precipitation data quality and availability for ocean monitoring.
4. For SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
   • Indicator 17.6.1: Fixed Internet broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants, reflecting access to technology and data sharing.
   • International data sharing and cooperation (e.g., with NOAA) as qualitative indicators of partnership effectiveness.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: apnews.com