PROFESSIONAL LUNCHEON
Tomohiko Goto,Deputy Director, Space Systems Engineering & Launch Services Department, Nagoya Aerospace Systems Works, MHI Ltd.;
Tomihisa Nakamura, Project Manager, H-II B Launch Vehicle Project Team, JAXA

The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation

Japan's space program will take a big step forward on September 11 with the launch of the first H-IIB rocket.

Larger than the current H-IIA, it can carry a much heavier payload into orbit and will be used to launch the HTV, an unmanned spacecraft built to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), as well as heavier or multiple satellites.

But it also faces criticism from some who question whether Japan really needs a space program when satellites can be launched more cheaply overseas.

The rocket has been developed by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. On August 20, a couple of weeks ahead of the planned launch, the club will welcome Tomihisa Nakamura, project manager of JAXA's H-IIB project team, and Tomohiko Goto, deputy director of the Space Systems Engineering & Launch Services Department at MHI.

The two will explain the technology that has gone into the H-IIB, their hopes for the rocket and answer your questio

MENU
Sandwich Plate: Roast beef baguette with lettuce, horseradish and gravy.
Hot Plate: Seared tuna with Greek salsa (tomato, cucumber, fetta cheese & olive) and seasonal green salad.

Tomihisa Nakamura, Project Manager, H-II B Launch Vehicle Project Team, JAXA

Tomohiko Goto,Deputy Director, Space Systems Engineering & Launch Services Department, Nagoya Aerospace Systems

HII-B Launch Vehicle Model