Locals on the Tanegashima island have been watching rockets soar across the skies above them for more than 50 years.
Surrounded by emerald green waters and lush green mountains, the island is home to the Tanegashima Space Centre, which is nestled in the heart of mother nature.
So, when a 53-metre-tall rocket blasts off from the site, it’s a stellar view.
The picturesque location also helps attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
I visited the island in December to mark it off my bucket list and had hoped to go again to cover the launch of UAE’s Mars Hope spacecraft, but Covid-19 travel restrictions didn’t allow it.
The 33,000 inhabitants in Tanegashima, however, have the chance to witness the first Arab interplanetary mission taking off.
Even though local authorities have closed public viewing events because of the virus, the rocket can still be seen from miles away on the 444.99km2-large island.
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UAE is launching its Hope spacecraft from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Japan on July 15. The National -
'The National' reporter Sarwat Nasir at the Tanegashima Space Centre, where 175 rockets have lifted off over a period of 52 years. The UAE also launched its KhalifaSat satellite from here in 2018. -
Rocket Hill is the most popular launch viewing spots on the island and gets packed very quickly. The National -
The island attracts tourists from all over the world, especially space enthusiasts. For the first time, all viewing events have been cancelled as a Covid-19 safety measure. The National -
Signs have been placed in launch viewing areas, alerting the public to keep a distance of at least 3km on launch day. Courtesy: Yoshiaki Sakita -
Even though viewing events are cancelled, it will not deter locals on the island from watching the launch from a distance. Kazumichi Takai, 54, never misses a launch and will be observing it at the beach. Courtesy: Jumpei Yamaguchi -
Reiko Kawagoe, 44, moved to Tanegashima a few years ago. She became so inspired by space, she created her own brand of space food for astronauts. The National -
Kaori Habu, 43, was born and raised on the island. She said rocket launches will help Tanegashima gain popularity and attract more tourists. She will be observing it from outside of her workplace. Courtesy: Jumpei Yamaguchi -
The free bus tours around the launch site have also been suspended. The National -
The exhibition tours at the space centre and rocket observatory centre are not accepting visitors for the time being. The National -
Models of rockets at the Rocket Observatory Centre. The Hope probe is launching on the H-IIA rocket (second from left). The National -
One of the ground satellite towers at the centre that tracks weather conditions. The National -
A replica of the payload fairing at the space centre. The Hope spacecraft was placed inside of it, as the structure protects it from dynamic pressure and aerodynamic heating during the launch into an atmosphere. The National -
One of the launch viewing sites. Many of them are on top of hills and offer a clear view of when a rocket lift offs. Some locations have been closed by authorities, but a launch is visible from miles away on the small island. The National -
The Tanegashima IWasaki Hotel is the only closest hotels to the space centre and is a popular choice among tourists. The National
With 175 launches since 1968, space has become sort of a lifestyle for the natives.
They are planning their own gathering with friends and families to watch another UAE spacecraft lift off from their island. The first one was a satellite, KhalifaSat, in 2018.
Kazumichi Takai, 54, manages a drone company and watches every launch.
“I’m glad the UAE chose a Japanese rocket for the launch. We’ll be watching from a distance,” he said.
Kaori Habu, 43, was born and raised on the island and looks forward to lift-offs that take place in the evening and illuminate the sky.
The Hope spacecraft will be taking off at 12.51am (UAE time) – 6.51am in Tanegashima – on July 15 if there are no delays because of the unstable weather caused by the ongoing rain season.
The Japanese H-IIA rocket, a product of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, will be delivering the craft outside of Earth’s atmosphere.
“We are grateful that many countries are launching from Tanegashima,” said Ms Habu, who works as an administrator.
“People will get to know our island because of the rocket launches.”
One woman in Tanegashima, Reiko Kawagoe, 44, was so inspired with space, she created her own brand of space food for astronauts.
She is in talks with Japan’s space agency Jaxa to make her product available to Japanese astronauts.
“I made spicy Indian curry for the astronauts, using the items we grow here on the island, such as brown sugar, sea salt and chicken,” said Ms Kawagoe, who works as a part time yoga instructor.
“It is exciting to see countries in the Middle East also getting involved in space.”
For tourists, the experience on rocket island is exemplary even if there is no launch scheduled.
During my visit, it became obvious that there was a recurring space-theme throughout.
The water bottles in Tanegashima have plastic wrappers that have images of astronauts and rockets.
Most of the hotels have framed photos on the walls of previous rocket launches.
The space centre is the most recommended tourist spot and there’s a free tour around the site and in the exhibition for visitors. Though, it has been suspended due to recent events.
Tourists can purchase souvenirs from there, such as model rockets and space food. I couldn’t walk away without buying the takoyaki – a dehydrated version of a Japanese cuisine (octopus dumplings) that is prepared for astronauts.
As you drive around the island, you see model rockets installed in different locations.
Like most rocket launching islands or deserts, Tanegashima is also a complicated place to travel to.
I took a flight from Dubai to Osaka, then to Kagoshima and then Tanegashima. From the airport, it’s a 20 to 25-minute drive to the space centre, as it’s on the very south side of the island.
For those who would like to watch UAE's upcoming mission to Mars launch, a live stream is available here.
