Japan aborts launch of flagship rocket carrying experimental defence sensor

An H3 rocket sits on the launch pad at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima, southern Japan Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. Japan’s space agency aborted a planned launch Friday of the first of its new flagship series H3 rocket. (Kyodo News via AP)

Japan’s space agency has aborted the launch of the first of its new flagship H3 rockets, which was carrying an observation satellite fitted with an experimental infrared sensor that could detect missile launches.

The countdown had started, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) livestream and TV footage showed white smoke billowing from its main engine, but a pair of auxiliary rockets did not ignite, according to an announcement at the launch site.