Launch details
H-IIA 202 | IGS Radar 8
Launch details
H-IIA 202 | IGS Radar 8
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Commercial • JPN
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Tanegashima Space Center
Sep 26 at 02:24pm
Launchpad time•+0900
Sep 26 at 05:24am
Your local time•+0000
Current status
Launch Successful
Get notification
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
The IGS Radar 8 is a Japanese radar reconnaissance satellite. The satellite is operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.
— IGS Radar 8
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
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is a Japanese company providing launch services through its H-IIA and H-IIB rockets. Partnering with JAXA, MHI supports satellite launches, scientific missions, and contributions to the ISS, promoting Japan's presence in space exploration and technology development.