MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES

H-1 | Sakura 3B

SUCCESS H-1 →
Sep 16, 1988 at 09:59 UTC
Geostationary Orbit Communications Tanegashima Space Center, Japan 100% success
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Mission Control3D trajectory · Live telemetry · AI narrator · Booster tracking
PADOsaki Launch Complex
SITETanegashima Space Center, Japan →
ORBITGeostationary Orbit
TYPECommunications

Japanese geostationary communications satellite

VEHICLE
H-1
MISSION
Sakura 3B
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Osaki Launch Complex
COUNTRY
JPN
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: a3e7f078-4a10-48b0-831d-8d6c9ffb2d6b
Reported date: Sep 16, 1988 at 09:59 UTC
Last synced: 10 seconds ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
VARIANT
I
FLIGHTS
9
SUCCESSES
9
SUCCESS RATE
100%

The H-1 was a Japanese liquid-fuelled carrier rocket, consisting of a license-produced American First Stage and set of booster rockets and all-Japanese upper stages. It replaced the N-II and was subsequently replaced by the H-2 which has the same upper stages with a Japaense first stage.

When is the H-1 | Sakura 3B launch?
The H-1 | Sakura 3B is scheduled for Friday, September 16, 1988 at 9:59 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Sakura 3B?
The H-1 | Sakura 3B mission uses the H-1 rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The H-1 has flown 9 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the H-1 | Sakura 3B launching from?
The launch takes place from Osaki Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
What orbit is Sakura 3B going to?
The Sakura 3B mission is targeting Geostationary Orbit.
Who is launching Sakura 3B?
The H-1 | Sakura 3B is operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Can I watch the H-1 | Sakura 3B launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 16, 1988 at 09:59 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mar 29, 2026 05:34 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 10 seconds ago
Launch Library 210 seconds ago
Launch ID: a3e7f078-4a10-48b0-831d-8d6c9ffb2d6b
Open-Meteo Weather22 hours ago
Pad weather at 30.4, 130.97

Mission Profile

Sakura 3B was a H-1 I mission operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that lifted off from Osaki Launch Complex, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan on September 16, 1988. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Orbit. The launch was a success.