Zellweger Analytics helps ensure Japanese space program is ready for lift-off

Citation

(2005), "Zellweger Analytics helps ensure Japanese space program is ready for lift-off", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777faf.003

Zellweger Analytics helps ensure Japanese space program is ready for lift-off

Zellweger Analytics helps ensure Japanese space program is ready for lift-off

Keywords: Space technology, Space craft

Zellweger Analytics, a major company in gas detection, recently gave the Japanese space program an extra safety boost for the launch of a satellite into orbit.

MDA Scientific supplied a range of specialist gas detection equipment to the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to ensure the recent successful launch of the H-IIA Vehicle 7.

The H-IIA is Japan's primary large-scale launch vehicle, able to inject satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) or launch payloads into the orbits of the moon and planets. Designed to meet diverse demands at lower cost and with a high degree of reliability, safety and precautions are of paramount importance when preparing the H-IIA for launch.

A wide range of MDA Scientific equipment was employed to monitor levels or leaks of Hydrazine rocket fuel in the bunkers and platform at the Tanegashima launch site. Equipment used to monitor the site included the CM4 – which offers continuous Chemcassette detection across four points – SPM single point detection units and ChemKey TLD portable Chemcassette monitors that measure areas of potential concern and cover temporary construction workers or emergency response teams.

The launch, which put the multi-functional transport satellite-1 replacement (MTSAT-1R) into orbit, was the first since November 2003 when previous mission H-IIA F6 was destroyed following the failure of the solid rocket booster, making the success and safety of the mission even more important for JAXA.

“Hydrazine is a complex and flammable material and JAXA required precise, reliable technology to ensure complete safety at the launch site”, said Chris Cottrell, Vice-President sales for Zellweger Analytics.

“Zellweger Analytics was delighted to provide support for such a prestigious project and we wish JAXA well for all future missions” (Plate 3).

Plate 3 Zellweger Analytics supplies a range of gas detection equipment to the JAXA to ensure the safe launch of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 7. All images copyright credited “qRSC”

Zellweger Analytics is a leading manufacturer of toxic and flammable gas and fire detection systems, bringing together over 185 years of experience. Suitable for industrial, commercial and domestic applications where people can be exposed to toxic, corrosive or flammable gases, Zellweger Analytics' gas solutions are available in fixed and portable ranges

Neotronics is the company's portable range of gas detectors that measure up to four different gases simultaneously; Sieger's fixed, robust detectors are crucial for gas monitoring in extreme conditions such as the marine and offshore industry; MDA Scientific is the leading fixed solution for the semiconductor industry, monitoring low levels of highly toxic gases and Zareba, Zellweger Analytics' newest family of detectors, makes compliance with health and safety regulations in commercial and industrial sites, simple, convenient and cost-effective.

Zellweger Analytics is based in Zurich, Switzerland and Sawgrass, Florida, with distributors and agents located across the globe.