M-V Rocket

JAXA's M-V launch vehicle is the world's largest class of three stage solid-propellant launch vehicle, with a diameter of 2.51m. It is capable of launching a 1.8 ton satellite into low orbit. The plan is for new development of all of stages for simplification of the body structure. In February of 1997, the first M-V was launched. From 1997 to 2006 7 M-V launch vehicles were launched. IHI Aerospace was responsible for the development and manufacture of M-V launch vehicle.