Japan to Launch H3 Rocket for European Asteroid Mission

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

Japan has announced that it will support Europe in studying a very large asteroid called Apophis, which will pass close to Earth in the year 2029. Japan’s space agency, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), will provide its new H3 rocket to launch a European spacecraft called Ramses for this mission.

This partnership is important because Apophis will pass extremely close to Earth, giving scientists a once-in-a-lifetime chance to study how such an asteroid behaves when it comes near our planet.

What Is This Mission All About?

Apophis is not a small rock floating in space—it is a massive asteroid about 375 meters wide, which is almost as long as a large cruise ship. In April 2029, this asteroid will come unusually close to Earth. Scientists say it will pass only 32,000 kilometers above our planet. To understand how close that is, this distance is closer than many satellites that orbit Earth and far closer than the Moon.

During its closest approach, people living in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia may be able to see Apophis with their own eyes, without needing telescopes. It will look like a bright moving star in the night sky.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to launch the spacecraft Ramses to study Apophis closely. Ramses will observe the asteroid before, during, and after its flyby near Earth.

Scientists want to answer important questions:

• Will Earth’s gravity change the shape of Apophis?
• Will it cause the asteroid to spin differently?
• Could it make Apophis release dust or small rocks?

Studying this flyby is critical. Events like this are rare, and the information could help scientists understand how asteroids behave when influenced by Earth’s gravity. This research is not only important for knowledge—it can also help humanity prepare for future threats, in case a dangerous asteroid ever heads directly toward Earth.

Japan’s Role in the Mission

If ESA gives its approval in November, JAXA has promised to launch the Ramses spacecraft on its powerful H3 rocket, possibly in 2028. There are also talks about launching Japan’s own spacecraft, DESTINY+, along with Ramses on the same rocket. This is known as a “ride-share” mission, where two different spacecraft travel together on one rocket.

Japan is not only offering the rocket. JAXA is also willing to contribute infrared sensors and solar panels to the Ramses spacecraft. These instruments will help the spacecraft function better and gather more detailed information about Apophis.

By doing this, Japan shows its strong commitment to space research and international cooperation.

Why Is This Mission Important?

• This mission has several major reasons why it matters:
• Planetary Defense
• By studying Apophis, scientists will learn more about how asteroids react when they pass close to Earth.
• Understanding these changes is essential to protect Earth from potential future asteroid collisions.

Global Cooperation

• The mission is a symbol of international teamwork. Europe and Japan working together highlights how countries can unite to explore space.
• This is especially valuable at a time when some American space missions face uncertainty due to possible funding cuts.

Scientific Knowledge

Apophis offers a rare, natural experiment. By observing it, scientists can expand their knowledge about the solar system and how celestial objects behave under strong gravitational forces.

Stronger Partnerships

Japan and Europe have already worked together on projects like lunar missions and satellite systems. This asteroid mission further strengthens their partnership and shows the growing trust between them.

What Is the H3 Rocket?

The H3 rocket is Japan’s newest and most advanced space launcher, created by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in cooperation with JAXA.

The H3 was designed to make space launches more efficient and cost-effective, while also being powerful enough to send large spacecraft into orbit. After years of development, the H3 rocket successfully launched for the first time only last year.

Because of its success, ESA believes the H3 can be trusted for such an important mission.

What Happens Next?

• The next steps for this mission are clear:
• ESA Approval
• In November, ESA must officially decide whether the Ramses mission will move forward. If approved, planning will begin right away.
• Launch Plans
• If everything goes as expected, Ramses will be launched in 2028 on Japan’s H3 rocket. There is also the chance that Japan’s DESTINY+ spacecraft will fly along with it.

Mission Timeline

Ramses will be sent into space early enough to reach Apophis before its 2029 flyby. It will then study the asteroid during its closest approach and continue observing it afterward.

This schedule is important because scientists want to watch the asteroid before Earth’s gravity changes anything, and then keep studying it after the changes happen.

Why Apophis Has Captured Global Attention

Apophis was first discovered in 2004, and at that time, there were worries that it might actually hit Earth in the future. Later, scientists confirmed that it will not collide with Earth in 2029 or in the near future.

However, the asteroid will still pass very close, and its path could change slightly because of Earth’s gravity. That’s why studying Apophis during this event is so valuable. Every piece of data will help prepare humanity for the possibility of future asteroid threats.

For ordinary people, the idea of a huge space rock flying close to Earth may sound scary. But for scientists, it is a golden opportunity. Missions like Ramses will allow us to study the asteroid up close instead of just watching it through telescopes.

International Space Cooperation in Action

This mission also highlights how space exploration is no longer about just one country. Instead, it is about sharing resources, knowledge, and technology across nations.

• Europe brings the Ramses spacecraft.
• Japan provides the H3 rocket and important technology.
• Both sides share the scientific benefits of the mission.
• Such partnerships ensure that space exploration moves forward, even during times of political or financial uncertainty.

Looking Toward the Future

If the Ramses mission is approved and launched successfully, it could become a historic achievement for both Japan and Europe. Scientists believe that the knowledge gained from this flyby will not only deepen our understanding of asteroids but also help build a safer future for Earth.

This is not just a mission about one asteroid. It is about preparing for tomorrow, building stronger global partnerships, and showing how humanity can work together to face challenges beyond our planet.

Japan space mission