![Cause and Course of the Accident](img/factor_head_e.jpg) |
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![The cause and course of the accident](img/factor_t_e.gif)
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![Status of solid rocket booster](img/factor01_e.gif) ![Factor01](img/factor_1.gif) A
jet of ultra-hot combustible gas eroded the insulation inside the nozzle on the
right-side solid rocket booster. |
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![Status of solid rocket booster](img/factor02_e.gif) ![Factor02](img/factor_t2.gif) A
small hole formed on the nozzle, which caused a leak of combustible gas. |
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![Status of solid rocket booster](img/factor03_e.gif) ![Factor03](img/factor_t3.gif) The
leaking combustible gas heated the detonating fuse that was supposed to detach
the solid rocket booster from the vehicle's body, causing the fuse to malfunction. |
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![Status of solid rocket booster](img/factor04_e.gif) ![Factor04](img/factor_t4.gif) A signal to jettison the solid rocket booster was sent, but because the detonating fuse malfuctioned, the booster failed to detach.
![Location of On-board Camera](img/camerar_e.gif)
Images from On-board Camera
![Images from On-board Camera](img/factor_photo_e.jpg) |
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![result](img/result.gif) The
rocket was destroyed, as it did not gain the required velocity and elevation
to reach orbit. |
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H-IIA Launch Vehicles The
H-IIA series of Launch Vehicles used much of the technology of the H-II series,
maintaining reliability while reducing cost by half. The H-IIA are Japan's world-class
rockets, with the capability to carry various satellite weights into a range
of orbits. They are expected to meet the transportation demands of the 21st century. |
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![Copyright 2003 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency](img/footer_e.gif) |