Japan’s space agency says its H3 rocket has failed to place a navigation satellite into orbit. This marks a setback for the country’s new flagship rocket and space launch program. The failure on Monday is the second for the H3 rocket following its botched debut flight in 2023. The rocket took off from the Tanegashima Space Center, but its second-stage engine unexpectedly cut off early. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is investigating the cause. Officials say this failure is regrettable and delays Japan’s plans for an independent geolocation system. The H3 rocket is designed to be cost-competitive globally.