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Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Next launch for this agency
Next launch for this agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Government • JPN
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Tanegashima Space Center
Dec 31 at 09:00am
Launchpad time•+0900
Dec 31 at 12:00am
Your local time•+0000
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24 hours before launch
Get notification
1 hour before launch
Note: For all launches the scheduled launch dates and times are subject to change due to weather, equipment, crew and other factors.
Mission description
GOSAT-GW (Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite Greenhouse gases and Water cycle), formerly known as GOSAT 3, is JAXA's next generation satellite to monitor the greenhosue gases like carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. It is the follow on to the GOSAT 2 (Ibuki 2) and GCOM-W (Shizuku) missions.
GOSAT-GW will have two missions: greenhouse gases observation for Japan's Ministry of the Environment and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and water-cycle observation for JAXA. By developing the GOSAT-GW satellite, Mitsubishi Electric will contribute to measures for preventing disasters attributed to global warming and climate change, and to advance scientific and technological methods that enable more accurate prediction of climate change.
In December 2013, Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) was selected as the prime contractor for the spacecraft and the instruments.
— GOSAT-GW
Livestream
Attending a launch in person
The space center is closed on launch day as well as a 3-kilometer radius around it. Rocket Hill Observatory is closed on launch days since it is within the radius.
There are several good public locations outside the 3-kilometer radius.
Image: minamitane.kagoshima.jp
Eminokotenbo (Ebinoe) Park: The closest observation point at just over 3 kilometers. A lottery system determines who is allowed into the park for the launch.
Hasetenbo (Hase) Park: About 6 kilometers distance. Minamitane town's recommended viewing area. Unrestricted entry.
Uchugaoka Park: About 7 kilometers distance. You'll need to be on the raised observation deck to get a view of the launchpad.
Maenomine Ground: This is on JAXA's list of observation points but I can't find much info on it. It's a small athletics track near the city center.
How to get there
The closest commercial airport is Tanegashima Airport in Tanegashima. Fly to Kagoshima Airport and then take a domestic flight to Tanegashima or take a 4-hour ferry (or 2-hour high-speed boat) from Kagoshima Port.
Driving from Tanegashima's airport or port to the space center will take you about an hour.
Accomodation
Nearby hotels on Tanegashima Island.
Nearby parking
Parking available on-site.
Agency details
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national space agency, involved in space exploration, satellite development, and scientific research. JAXA's achievements include the Hayabusa asteroid missions, contributions to the ISS, and the H-IIA and H-IIB launch vehicles, enhancing Japan's role in global space endeavors.