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We're baaaaaack! Rich and I arrived in Uchinoura this afternoon.
Only 7 days until Astro-E2 is launched and in orbit. Okay
technically, as I type this we're on the plane from Osaka to
Kagoshima, but these planes don't have internet, so... This one also
has no passengers. Well, maybe 30. Very nice!
Some of you know that Osaka's Kansai Airport is on an artificial
island in the middle of the bay, with a causeway out to it. It's
just one long runway (24/6) and one long terminal building. But the
wind always blows from 240 degrees, so it works. They're building a
second long strip of land for a second runway (same orientation), and
flying out I counted 10 barges full of dirt unloading, and 4 more
coming and going. It's like a little trail of ants carrying their
puny loads that will eventually add up to a whole island.
Rich and Gary both rented cars this time, so we're no longer trapped
in Uchinoura. Not that Uchinoura is anything but the bustling hi-
tech center of activity you'd expect from a launch site. Why, they
even have a noodle shop! Still, it's good to be able to get out from
time to time. We just have to remember the marching chant of King
Brian's archers: "Left! Left! Left Left Left!"
And anyway, once you've figured out which Kanji means "show fixed
map" and which means "track car position" on the GPS navigation
system, all you need is the phone number of the place you want to get
to and you're all set.
The weather right now is overcast but not raining. Apparently "rainy
season" means you get some days of outrageous downpour and some days
of very nice. Which is good. We have two more key days when we need
good weather, the second of which is of course launch!
As a result of the limited ability of Uchinoura to absorb an influx of 200
rocketeers, we're sharing rooms. Rich and Gary and I are in one room
with two beds and a fold-out sofa. It's also specially designed for
handicapped people, so for instance the mirror over the sink is aimed
very downward, which will be particularly useful if any of us need to
shave our legs. Also, no dresser drawers, or horizontal space in the
bathroom. But there is a fridge, and there is air conditioning, so
it could be worse.
I'm told that one of the karaoke rooms at the hotel has been reserved
for use by the Astro-E2 team. For the whole time, I suppose. Cause
you gotta sing loud if you want to launch satellites and stuff. We
think this is a joke.
More as the story develops.
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