YM COLUMN ARCHIVE

April 2, 2008

Solid propellant rocket of Europe

The M-V (Mu-five) rocket of Japan that had once been the most sophisticated solid propellant rocket in the world was discontinued of its production in the deep regret and laughter among rocket men of the world, and now small sized rocket of Epsilon type is under way to be newly developed all over again. It may appear like a roundabout sort of way, but I hope somehow Japan will win back the past glorious reputation of “solid fuel Japan”.

Just at this moment, however, global attention happens to be focusing on solid propellant type again. Its good example is VEGA rocket of Europe. VEGA using solid fuels for its 1st, 2nd and 3rd stages and liquid propellants for 4th stage is 30 meters in total length, 3 meters in diameter and 137 tons in lift-off weight and is capable of carrying 2 tons payload to low earth orbit, which is almost equivalent to M-V rocket in its launch capability.

Thursday last week, static firing test of the 2nd stage motor was successfully carried out at Salt di Quilla Test Range in Italy. The firing test of 1st stage P-80 motor was already completed in success in December last year at Guiana Space Center in South America where the launch takes place, leaving the tests for only 3rd and 4th stages. The tests for the remaining 2 stages, Zefiro 9 (3rd) and AVUM (4th) will be conducted in Europe and transported to South America by ship.

With the launch of VEGA, Europe will be prepared for all size of rocket on its lineup with large size Ariane V (Ariane five) and medium Soyuz. Despite difficult political situation, Europe, most likely, is to successfully achieve the originally scheduled plan, for which I would like to applaud my European friends.

Coming back to think of Japan, I can’t help profoundly depressed of its serious problems Japan is facing now with future space development. When the idea of GX (Galaxy Express) emerged, I understand that the central players of this project did not necessarily intend to interfere with M-V rocket. But I want you all to know the fact that as soon as the GX plot was proposed, there were many people among related parties who instinctively foresaw “GX is to definitely compete with M-V”.

Various problems on GX are now being controversially discussed in Space Activities Committee. I dare say here that if the Committee should fail in reaching normal and rational solution of Japanese intelligence, it will be a laughingstock once again among Europeans and Americans. The core of the problem lies not in the personal interests of the committee members but in the national dignity of Japan.

I welcome your opinions on this column to the following E-mail address.

(Translated by The Planetary Society of Japan)

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