The front fell off?
Is that typical?
Oof. It’s one of those big geostationary satellites. Those things are ridiculously expensive with redundant systems and heavy shielding for how long their missions usually last. Tough break.
What sort of standards are these uh satellites built to?
Oh, very rigorous maritime engineering standards
such as?
Well, the front’s not supposed to fall off, for a start.
Sad news. It also reminds me I want to get down to see a launch one of these days. I remember looking into it before I lived here and ruling out going out there just for that (especially with very little Japanese at the time). I wonder how close I’m able to get and if/where there’s a schedule.
I want to get down to see a launch one of these days
If you do, would you be willing to share your experience with the community? Coincidentally, I happened to be in Japan during this launch, but decided against trying to make it all the way down to Tanegashima. I did see the JAXA facilities in Tsukuba though, which were pretty cool.
Definitely interested in trying to see a launch next time I’m in Japan though.
I’m in Japan, so I’ve looked at the logistic to go to Tanegashima Space Center. From Tokyo, it’s like a big plane to Kagoshima, then a small plane to the island, and then a bus (if you’re lucky) or an expensive taxi I guess. Of course, you could also take a ferry with a car from Kagoshima.
The problem isn’t transportation, it’s the fact that the best (and arguably only “worth the effort”) viewing spot is a park whose access is restricted to only a few hundred people during launch… and as usual for limited things in Japan, it’s a lottery system. :(Oof. I wonder if chartering a boat might be easier. I knew I should’ve gotten my boat license before I moved to the middle of nowhere, heh.
Some useful links digging a bit (google translate should mostly get you there if needed)
- http://www.town.minamitane.kagoshima.jp/sightseeing/H3f8.html
- http://www.town.minamitane.kagoshima.jp/sightseeing/rocketkengaku.html
- https://www.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tnsc/
The exclusion zone doesn’t look too terribly big (though is cut off). I’ll have to poke at that a bit more.
I wouldn’t know, haven’t looked at the exclusion zone, but it’s an idea.
If I ever get around to it, I would absolutely be willing to share. I need to go to the tsukuba place. There are some facilities in tohoku as well, but I’ve never made it.
I have it. It’s mine now.
