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

H-IIA 202

Launch vehicle

IGS Radar 8

Mission

30.4008

Latitude

130.9777

Longitude

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.