The conceptual design of Japan's next flagship launch vehicle, which replaces the
H-IIA/H-IIB, began in 2014. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), designated as a prime
contractor, is proceeding with the design. The primary objectives of the next flagship launch
vehicle are to ensure "competitiveness in the global commercial market" and "assured access to
space," while maintaining the domestic industrial base through launching a constant number of
vehicles each year by obtaining orders for commercial satellite launches in addition to
institutional missions. This report provides an overview of the three concepts of the next flagship
launch vehicle; (1) launch capability and competitive price, (2) launch on customer's desired date
and (3) a comfortable vehicle.
