Japan’s space agency launched a new rocket called H3 on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The rocket took off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan. It carried an unmanned cargo spacecraft named HTV-X1. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the rocket reached its correct orbit about 14 minutes after launch. The mission will send food, tools, and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, who is now working at the ISS, will use a robotic arm to catch the spacecraft. The HTV-X1 is the next model after the older Kounotori cargo ship, which went to space nine times between 2009 and 2020. This was also the first flight of the H3 rocket’s strongest version with four boosters.

The HTV-X1 can carry more things and give power during its flight. It will stay connected to the ISS for up to six months to deliver supplies and take back waste. After that, it will continue flying around Earth for another three months. JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa said the launch was an important step for Japan’s space program. The new H3 rocket, made with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is stronger, cheaper, and more accurate. Experts said this success could help Japan play a bigger role in the world’s space activities.