The Pencil Rocket holds a pivotal place in Japan’s space history as the nation’s first experimental rocket. Developed in 1954 by the Avionics and Supersonic Aerodynamics (AVSA) research group at the University of Tokyo, the project was led by Hideo Itokawa, often regarded as the father of Japanese rocketry.
Origins and Development
Initially, the Pencil Rocket project had no direct aspirations for space exploration. It began as an effort to develop rocket-powered aircraft. However, in early 1955, a suggestion by a colleague prompted a shift in focus toward space technology. The team aimed to participate in the upcoming International Geophysical Year (IGY), an international scientific effort to study geophysical phenomena, including atmospheric and space sciences.
Design and Specifications
The Pencil Rocket was remarkably compact, measuring just 23 cm in length, with a diameter of 1.8 cm, and weighing approximately 200 grams. Despite its small size, it was a single-stage solid-fuel rocket capable of horizontal flight. The design was intentionally simple, serving as a technology demonstrator to test fundamental rocketry principles.
Launches and Achievements
Between April 12 and April 23, 1955, a total of 29 Pencil Rockets were launched from a 1.5-meter-long horizontal launcher. These launches took place at Kokubunji, a suburb of Tokyo. The primary objective was to measure the rocket’s speed and trajectory. This was achieved by timing how long it took for the rocket to cut through thin wire screens, with the data recorded using an oscillograph.
One of the significant milestones was a successful flight on August 1955, where the rocket reached an altitude of 600 meters and traveled 700 meters horizontally, with a flight duration of 23 seconds. This achievement marked Japan’s first successful rocket flight.
Legacy
The Pencil Rocket laid the groundwork for Japan’s future in space exploration. It provided invaluable experience in rocket design and testing, leading to the development of more advanced rockets. The project also fostered a culture of innovation and perseverance in Japan’s aerospace community.
In recognition of its historical significance, a full-scale replica of the Pencil Rocket was donated to the National Air and Space Museum in the United States in 1974, symbolizing the international acknowledgment of Japan’s entry into the field of space exploration.
