M Thomas Apple Author Page

Science fiction, actual science, history, and personal ranting about life, the universe, and everything

JAXA finally gets it right with the H3

June 17, 2026
MThomas

Six small satellites developed by universities and other organizations carried by the vehicle also were believed to be successfully separated, JAXA said.

https://apnews.com/article/japan-jaxa-h3-rocket-launch-9c64f2c59b9212d612902e74823b77b5

“Believed to be” successful. Very Japanese.

It’s a start. A late, very much delayed start. But at least it worked (finally).

“Don’t worry about it” — Van Allen A to burn up tonight

March 11, 2026
MThomas

No problem: it’s just a 1,300 pound satellite falling down from the sky and disintegrating into random pieces everywhere all at once…

“For the average person, it will be a nice light in the sky if you get lucky and, otherwise, don’t worry about it,” Dr. McDowell said. “We have much more scary re-entries that happen. Occasionally, there is a 20-ton Chinese rocket stage that comes down. Those are much scarier for me.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/10/science/space/nasa-satellite-earth-re-entry.html?unlocked_article_code=1.SVA.dk5d.09lMgapDCbYq&smid=nytcore-ios-share

OK, granted that the odds are 1 in 4200. But still, we should figure out how to predict where pieces of satellites are going to land. There’s far too much stuff floating above our heads for us to feel 100% safe.

And an expectation of “7:45 pm give or take 24 hours” is not particularly helpful, either…

Especially when a private corporation is saying 11:45, give or take three hours.

Jeez.

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