H2A Engine Fires Up For 150 Second Test

The National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) successfully carried out a 150-second combustion test of the first-stage engine LE7A for the H2A next-generation mainstay rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture yesterday.

By Space Daily Editorial Team · Editorial process

Published August 23, 2000 · Updated March 14, 2026

Tokyo Shimbun reported that the agency delayed the test 30 minutes
in response to a signal that there was trouble with a tube containing
liquid oxygen as fuel.

Following the test NASA officials at a press conference said, “We were able to obtain excellent data. Giving us additional confidence for a successful launch of the rocket that will require a combustion of about 400 seconds. Officials added that this 150-second combustion test confirms the performance required for next February’s inaugural flight of the upgraded H2 launcher.

H2A at NASDA

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