LAUNCHING A SPACE PROGRAM.

Recent successes in the program of so-called N-series launch vehicles has persuaded Japan's National Space Development Agency (NASDA) to begin development of larger and more capable rockets. Nineteen satellites have been launched without failure (through February of this year) by the N-I and N-II boosters. Japan plans to transfer the experience and knowledge acquired from those successes to new launch vehicle development programs. The capabilities of the two advanced rockets, designated H-I and H-II, are expected to enhance the country's autonomous capabilities for conducting launch operations into Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). The paper describes the program conducted by NASDA to develop rocket boosters for launching payloads into Geostationary Earth Orbit.