Abstract :
A description is given of the H-II rocket now being designed and developed in Japan, which will join the US Titan and the European Ariane in launching 2-ton satellites into geostationary orbit. To maximize reliability, emphasize safety, and reduce costs, the H-II rocket is designed to be a simple system, one that profits from existing technology and experience. The H-II is designed to have an overall system reliability of 0.96, about the actual rate of success of the US Delta, Atlas-Centaur, and Titan. It is a two-stage vehicle, using liquid propulsion, matching boosters, and an innovative guidance system. New launch facilities being built for the rocket are described.<>
