Watch: Japan’s ‘rocket island’ where UAE’s Mars mission will take flight – The National

Watch: Japan’s ‘rocket island’ where UAE’s Mars mission will take flight – The National

Tanegashima Island is considered as one of the world's most beautiful launch sites













Locals on the Tanegashima island have been watching rockets soar across the skies above them for more than 50 years.



Surrounded by emerald green waters and lush green mountains, the island is home to the Tanegashima Space Centre, which is nestled in the heart of mother nature.



So, when a 53-metre-tall rocket blasts off from the site, it's a stellar view.



The picturesque location also helps attract hundreds of tourists from all over the world.



I visited the island in December to mark it off my bucket list and had hoped to go again to cover the launch of UAE's Mars Hope spacecraft, but Covid-19 travel restrictions didn't allow it.



The 33,000 inhabitants in Tanegashima, however, have the chance to witness the first Arab interplanetary mission taking off.



Even though local authorities have closed public viewing events because of the virus, the rocket can still be seen from miles away on the 444.99km2-large island.















































UAE is launching its