Editing M-V (section)

== Following program ==
{{Main|Epsilon (rocket)}}

A follow on to the M-V, called the ''Epsilon Rocket'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/epsilon/index_e.html|title=Epsilon launch vehicle|access-date=2010-04-01|publisher=JAXA|archive-date=21 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130121050940/http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/rockets/epsilon/index_e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> features a lower 1.2 tonne LEO payload capability. The development aim is to reduce costs, primarily by using the [[H-IIA]] solid rocket booster as the first stage and through shorter launch preparation time. Epsilon launches are intended to cost much less than the US$70 million launch cost of a M-V.<ref name=sfn-20100811>{{cite news|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1008/11japan/|title=Asteroid probe, rocket get nod from Japanese panel|publisher=Spaceflight Now|date=11 August 2010|access-date=29 October 2012}}</ref>

The first launch, of a small scientific satellite SPRINT-A ([[Hisaki (satellite)|Hisaki]]), took place in September 2013. The initial launches will be of a two-stage version,{{citation needed|date=September 2013}} of Epsilon, with up to a 500 kilogram LEO payload capability.<ref name=JAXA-interview>{{cite web|url=http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol58/index_e.html|title=Interview: Yasuhiro Morita, Project Manager, Epsilon Launch Vehicle|publisher=JAXA|access-date=29 October 2012|archive-date=23 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123052200/http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol58/index_e.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>