The H-II (H2) rocket was a Japanese satellite launch system, which flew seven times between 1994 and 1999, with five successes.

However, each launch cost 19 billion yen (US$190 million), too expensive compared to international competitors like Ariane.

Development of the next-generation H-IIA rockets started in order to minimize launch costs.

In 1996, RSC signed a contract with the Hughes Space and Communications Group to launch 10 satellites.

[5] To investigate the cause of the failure and to direct resources into the H-IIA, NASDA cancelled flight 7 (which was to be launched after F8 due to changes in schedule), and terminated the H-II series.