Search for the First-Stage Rocket of the H-II Launch Vehicle No. 8

November 19, 1999
Japan Marine Science and Technology Center
National Space Development Agency of Japan


The Japan Marine Science and Technology Center (JAMSTEC, Takuya Hirano, President) and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA, Isao Uchida, President) will search for the first-stage rocket of NASDA's H-II Launch Vehicle No. 8 in the waters approximately 380 kilometers to the northwest of the Ogasawara Islands for 10 days, from Saturday, Nov. 20 to Monday, Nov. 29, using JAMSTEC's deep sea research vessel Kairei.

In the search, ocean floor surveys will be conducted by means of the precision echo sounder (multi-narrow beam echo sounder) with which Kairei is equipped, as well as the side scan sonar with which the Kaiko a 10,000m class deep sea ROV (remote-operated vehicle) carried aboard the Kairei as towage has in its launcher. In the event that the first-stage rocket is detected, visual observations will be made with the Kaiko vehicle, and movies will be recorded. Moreover, NASDA has decided that these movies and other data will be reflected in a future causal clarification operation.

Schedule of the Search (Supplemental Reference Material)

Friday, Nov. 19: Leave Mikawa Harbor (Aichi Prefecture).

Saturday, Nov. 20: Arrive at designated waters. Depending on the status of the survey by sea beam and side scan sonar of objects that have dropped to the ocean floor, visual observations of such objects will be conducted with Kaiko.

Tuesday, Nov. 30: Leave the designated waters.

Wednesday, Dec. 1: Return to port at JAMSTEC (Yokosuka).

In the event that some noteworthy results are obtained as a result of the search, they will be posted on JAMSTEC's web site.



(Supplementary Explanatory Material)

Overview of the Search for the First-Stage Rocket of the H-II Launch Vehicle No. 8

1. Search Period: Saturday, Nov. 20 to Monday, Nov. 29
(Mikawa Harbor Departure: Friday, Nov. 19; Return to JAMSTEC (Yokosuka): Wednesday, Dec. 1)

2. Sea Area, etc. of the Search

Sea Area of the Search: The sea area linking the four points (29 -20.2' N, 139 -17.4' E), (29 -25.6' N, 139 -18.5' E), (29 -20.5' N, 139 -44.5' E), and (29 -15.2' N, 139 -42.4' E)(Fig. 1). However, the sea area of the search may change with reference to ocean conditions such as tidal currents, etc., in the designated waters.

Estimated Drop Point: (29 -20.4' N, 139 -30.4' E)

3. Vessel Utilized

Deep Sea Research Vessel Kairei (gross tonnage: 4628 GT)

4. Search Procedures

(1) Preliminary Survey

Carry out a submarine topographical survey by means of the multi-narrow - beam echo sounder aboard the Kairei.

(2) Ocean Floor Acoustic Survey

Based on the results of the submarine topographical survey, narrow down the sea area that is to serve as the object of the ocean floor acoustic survey. Then, investigate in detail any unevenness on the surface of the ocean floor, make observations of the sediment, and determine whether there are any man-made objects, using the side scan sonar loaded on the launcher of the 10,000m class deep sea ROV Kaiko, which will be towed by the Kairei.

(3) Visual Observations Utilizing the 10,000m Class Deep Sea ROV Kaiko

In the event that some singular reflection or unevenness that may be thought, as a result of the submarine topographical survey, to be a piece of the H-II launch vehicle is subsequently confirmed as such, the Kaiko will be submerged at that spot. Visual observations will be made, and movies recorded, by means of the TV camera mounted on the vehicle.

             For inquiries:
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