Japanese Agency Launches World’s Smallest Rocket Into Orbit

Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully launched the smallest-ever rocket to carry a satellite into orbit. An SS-520 sounding rocket modified with a third stage inside its nose cone to get its payload into orbit made its way into outer space.

The rocket was carrying TRICOM-1R, a three-unit CubeSat measuring just 13.6 inches long. The CubeSat, will now be used to collect images of the Earth’s surface via multiple cameras. JAXA explained, “Unit 5 of the SS-520 flew as planned, succeeding in separating the TRICOM-1R (Trichom One Ear) microsatellite in orbit for about 7 minutes 30 seconds after the experiment”.

The rocket measures 10 meters in length and 50 centimeters in diameter. JAXA put together components found in home electronics and smartphones to build the rocket. A third stage was added to the rocket to help carry the satellite.

The launch comes one year after JAXA’s failed experiment with an SS-520 rocket. The first stage went off without a hitch, but communications problems prevented the second stage from igniting and carrying a microsatellite, TRICOM 1, into orbit, this forcing the agency to abort the mission.

In 2016, the agency said that it wants to launch a ‘swarm’ of tiny satellites that can track weather and climate change patterns. Private space company Rocket Lab has been working to launch its small rocket at some point this year. The rocket, called Electron, would have three payloads on board – an imaging satellite and two tracking satellites.

These satellites would orbit the Earth to collect weather and climate change data. The launch is sure to take Japan a notch higher on the world map.  Last year, Japan also announced that it plans to put a man on the moon by 2030.