H2A Rocket Manufacturing
The H2A rocket is the latest member of the H-series rockets, playing a crucial role in Japan's heavy industry and showcasing the nation's comprehensive technological prowess. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) takes on a key role in H2A rocket manufacturing, handling the rocket's primary structure, engine assembly, and pre-launch preparations.
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) contributes its technological expertise by supplying a critical component - the turbopump. This device ensures precise fuel delivery to the engine, vital for the rocket's performance. IHI Aerospace, meanwhile, dedicates its efforts to constructing solid rocket boosters, providing extra thrust during the initial launch phase and enhancing launch efficiency.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is responsible for manufacturing the satellite fairing. This protective covering shields the satellite from the harsh environment during its journey into space. Additionally, several other companies, including NEC and Japan Aviation Electronics Industry (JAE), are deeply involved in the H2A rocket's development and research, their expertise and knowledge combining to build this advanced rocket.
H-2A Launch Vehicle Basic Information
The H2A launch vehicle is developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and launched from the Tanegashima Space Center. It is comprised of two stages and features a solid-fueled booster.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 53 meters |
| Diameter | 4 meters |
| Mass | 445,000 kg |
| Payload Capacity (Low Earth Orbit) | 10,000 - 15,000 kg |
| Payload Capacity (Geostationary Transfer Orbit) | 4,100 - 6,000 kg |
LE-5 Rocket Engine Parameters
The LE-5 rocket engine is a high-performance propulsion system with different models exhibiting varying parameters.
| Parameter | LE-5 | LE-5A | LE-5B |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thrust (kN) | 102.9 | 102.9 | 102.9 |
| Oxidizer to Fuel Ratio | 5.55 | 5.55 | 5.55 |
| Chamber Pressure (MPa) | 3.65 | 3.98 | 3.58 |
| Liquid Hydrogen Pump Speed (rpm) | 50,000 | 51,000 | 52,000 |
| Liquid Oxygen Pump Speed (rpm) | 16,000 | 17,000 | 18,000 |
| Weight (kg) | 255 | 248 | 285 |
The LE-5 engine and its derivatives are Japanese-designed and manufactured, used for the upper stage propulsion of the H1 and H2 rockets. They are powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Originally designed and built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, these engines are characterized by their small size and thrust. They utilize spark ignition, allowing for multiple restarts, up to 16 times, with an operational time of over 40 minutes. For H2 rocket launches, they are typically ignited once, operating for 9 minutes before being discarded. In missions launching payloads into geostationary orbit, the engine is reignited after the rocket successfully reaches low Earth orbit, propelling the payload to its final destination.
H2A Rocket Introduction
The H2A (H-IIA) is a rocket developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Utilizing liquid fuel, the H2A rocket has been instrumental in sending satellites into geostationary orbit, lunar orbit spacecraft, and even the Akatsuki Venus probe into interplanetary space. It is launched from the Tanegashima Space Center. On April 1, 2007, the responsibility for production and management of the H-IIA was transferred from JAXA to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first probe launched after the privatization of the H-IIA was the SELENE lunar probe. Currently, there are four main models: H2A-202, H2A-2022, H2A-2024, and H2A-204, with GTO payload capacity ranging from 4.15 tons to 6 tons.
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