Japan launches second flagship H3 rocket a year after inaugural flight self-destructed

Space agency announces ‘successful liftoff’ and says rocket has already released one micro-satellite

Japan’s space agency has successfully launched a second test model of its new flagship rocket H3, in a welcome boost to its space program after last year’s inaugural flight failed.

The launch further burnishes the country’s space credentials after the historic “pinpoint” moon landing of Japan’s Slim spacecraft last month.