Despite the evaluation rife with malintent by Tomiyama, who had his eyes on the seat of post-Zaizen,
the employees of Tsukuda Manufacturing responded by uniting together and,
under the slogan of "Tsukuda Pride, Tsukuda Quality,"
crossed swords squarely and fairly with Teikoku Heavy Industries
and finally succeeded in passing the preliminary test.
However, just then, it was discovered that the trial product for the test
was replaced by a defective product by Mano, an employee who objected to Tsukuda's concept.
Just when all seemed lost, a man appeared before Tsukuda.
I'll take all responsibility.
As a result of the decision Zaizen made by risking his career, the replacement part was accepted
and safely passed the product test.
And to Mikami, his former colleague, who had recommended him for an important post at JAXS ...
I don't have to be at the research facility to make my dream come true.
I'm going to pursue my dream with my employees here at the company.
Finally, of the final part supplier tests,
only the combustion test remained. However...
We found an obvious defect in one of the valves delivered by Tsukuda Manufacturing.
There's a big problem with the measurement accuracy.
We have misgivings as to whether there's any point in continuing the test.
That's because a defective part was delivered inadvertently.
Tsukuda realized the mistake immediately and replaced it.
However, to let a defective part get mixed in with just
20 trial products, what kind of a management system...
- I suppose we'll have to call off the test. - Yes.
Please wait. If we reject them to supply the parts
because of a mistake in delivery rather than the quality of their product,
Tsukuda might harden his stance.
There's no company that would let the opportunity to make an enormous amount of money slip away.
Money's not the motive for Tsukuda Manufacturing.
It's their pride as a manufacturer.
If we fail to negotiate a deal with them, that's the end of the Stardust Project.
Can you take the responsibility for that?
Fine. I'll close my eyes to the mistake in delivery.
- But General Manager... - The test isn't over yet.
You never know what will happen at the final combustion test.
Besides, even if they manage to pass the test,
the biggest barrier still remains.
- You know what I mean, right? Zaizen. - Yes, sir.
Anyway, let's decide on our negotiation strategy depending on the results of the combustion test.
Tomiyama-kun, you're in charge of the test as before.
Yes, sir!
I was getting ready to call you myself.
Unfortunately, he turned me down.
He said he's going to stay put and pursue his dream at Tsukuda Manufacturing.
Why? If he wants to research and develop rockets,
- the research facility is the place to do it! - It's been 7 years.
7 years' time changed Tsukuda, the man who was born to be a researcher.
Tsukuda Kohei is now a respectable company president
who manages a company of 200 employees called Tsukuda Manufacturing.
The Tsukuda pride, huh?
- So, Mano, why did you do something like that? - It's like I told you already.
I can't go along anymore. With you and your pipe dream.
You know,
I think
a job is like a 2-story house.
On the first floor which supports the whole house, we eat
and earn money for our livelihood.
But you'd feel too cramped with just that, right?
That's why you need the second floor for a place to dream.
A house would collapse with dream alone, but
it would be too confining and boring if all you did was eat and sleep in that house.
- There has to be a dream in your job too. - You're the one
who destroyed my dream, President.
You invest money and manpower in R&D for rocket parts,
but the Stella engine I developed is stuck in an environment of unreasonable restrictions.
- How am I supposed to have a dream! - There's no such thing as work environment without restrictions.
You're just acting like a spoiled child.
We're not getting anywhere with this.
I understand the gravity of what I did.
Here's my resignation.
- Hey, Mano! - Suit yourself!
If you think you can have a dream by quitting, go ahead and try to find that kind of a job.
Don't you ever show your face in front of me again.
Does he think he can find a job that easily these days?
That idiot!
Besides, even if they manage to pass the test,
the biggest barrier still remains.
You know what I mean, right? Zaizen.
Say, Rina.
Why don't you try talking to Dad about how you really feel?
- What?! - Sorry. I just thought I'd surprise you.
Were you perhaps waiting for me?
- No! - Oh, that's too bad.
Hey, Dad.
Never mind. It's nothing.
It's been a while since we played. Shall we?
Badminton.
Ready? Here it goes.
Sorry, sorry.
Ready?
I remember when I used to be better than you.
What is it, all of a sudden?
I thought if I played again,
I might understand how you felt.
Rina,
why did you lie?
Even pretending you were still hurt.
Do you hate badminton that much now?
I could never hate it.
After I lucked out and placed second at the junior tournament,
I worked hard in high school too, striving to win the inter-high school tournament, but
better players than me are a dime a dozen.
No matter how hard I practiced, I couldn't catch up.
And the other day, I was finally removed from the starting lineup.
But still...
I tried to hang in there and not give up on my dream like you.
But...
the harder I tried, the worse I felt.
I felt like I was starting to hate badminton more and more.
You know, Rina.
Most of the manufacturing process for this shuttlecock
is done by hand, I heard.
If the feather comes from the goose's right wing, they apparently make one shuttle out of
16 feathers from that right wing.
Even for one shuttlecock like this,
skilled technology is being used.
Isn't it amazing?
What am I talking about.
You know...
Don't worry about winning or losing anymore.
If you enjoy it, you can continue playing badminton as long as you want.
If not, you can find plenty of other things you can get excited about.
There's no need to rush.
Take your time finding it.
Will you..
believe in me?
Of course.
What father doesn't believe in his daughter?
Then...
keep your eyes open, okay?
And watch me.
I'll find my own dream for sure, just like you and Mom.
I'll be watching.
I'll be watching with my eyes wide open.
Tsukuda Manufacturing Valve System Combustion Test Day
Codename Monotone. A high-performance engine
with thrust in vacuo of 130 tons and specific impulse of 450 seconds.
This combustion test is finally the last test, right?
- Yes. - 120 seconds until the test starts.
Tsukuda-san, Yamazaki-san. May I have a word with you?
Sure.
The thing is, in order for you to be our parts supplier,
- there's one more barrier we have to overcome. - One more?
That's not what we heard, Zaizen-san.
Is there another test?
No.
The last barrier is
the persuasion of our President, Toma.
The in-house production of all key device
has been carried out as a result of none other than Toma's strong desire.
If the President can't be persuaded, we can't procure parts from you.
What the...
I felt I needed to tell you regardless before the final test.
As long as the combustion test succeeds,
you can count on me
to persuade the President.
Zaizen-san...
10 seconds to go!
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
- Ignite engine. - Ignite!
20 21 22 23
Please...
Please!
30 seconds elapsed.
There's an abnormality! - Abnormality in revolution speed of turbo pump!
- Approaching critical velocity! - Pressure increasing inside the tank!
- Emergency shutdown. - Emergency shutdown!
President...President!
Take a look at this.
What the hell are these numbers?!
The valve
might have malfunctioned.
What is the meaning of this?
Inspection!
Why...
Therefore, we can conclude that the reason the control valve to stabilize pressure
within the liquid hydrogen tank became disabled
was due to the fact that the pressure regulator valve above it malfunctioned.
In short, there was a problem with Tsukuda's valve. Is that it?
- Yes. - Please wait.
Our inspection team took apart the valve used in the test
and thoroughly checked it out, but the cause could not be determined.
We don't want to hear "could not be determined." You have to determine the cause.
How much do you think yesterday's combustion test cost?
- What about the control program? - There's no problem with it.
Then can you let us take a look at the other parts too?
Wait, wait, everyone...
The failure was caused by our parts. Is that what you're saying?
I'm just mentioning it as a possibility.
If we can't find any problems with our valve, it's quite possible the cause lies elsewhere...
We've already inspected everything except the valve. The results showed no abnormality.
- Don't try to pass the buck. - What do you mean pass the buck...
It's your valve that malfunctioned!
If you don't stop blaming someone else
and start taking care of your own products, you're messing us up!
That's why I've been telling you there's nothing wrong with the valve!
Aren't you folks thinking that rocket engine valves are like any other consumer products?
Your standards are too lax. It's not like you're a novice, you know.
We can't back down like this either.
Won't you let us inspect the other parts besides the valve?
All right.
- Inspect them all you want. - Director!
We can't move forward until the cause is determined.
Am I wrong?
Zaizen-san,
- thank you. - However, Tsukuda-san,
we don't have much time.
- I want you to find the answer in a week. - No.
Please do it in 3 days.
Tomiyama.
I'm in charge of this test. I'll have them follow my instructions.
All right.
We'll get it done in 3 days.
From that night, Tsukuda and his men stayed at the research facility at Teikoku Heavy Industries
and worked around the clock inspecting parts.
Tsukuda-san, the result of X-ray inspection was normal for this.
I see. Then please try this one.
- Okay! - Thanks.
Send this data to our guys and have them check it out.
The data from Yamazaki-san is here. His instructions are on the top so take a look at it.
Instructions are on the top here.
- Find anything, Tachibana? - Nothing yet.
Tsukuda and his men took each part apart one by one and
repeatedly conducted scrupulous inspections, but
2 days elapsed without having determined the cause.
How's it going? Have you found anything?
No matter how you look at it, your valve is the cause.
Why don't you just admit it?
You folks were talking big that there were others besides us who'd have use for your valve, but
do you really think anyone else would want a dangerous valve like this?
Why don't you stop bluffing and just sell us your patent?
We still have 23 hours and 25 minutes left.
Let's do it, Yamazaki.
Nomura, we're going over the causal factor analysis all over again.
10 hours later
How come we can't find anything after we've done all this!
3:00 am
Nomura, what about the liquid nitrogen tank?
We inspected it first, but nothing showed up.
What about the turbo pump and nozzle skirt?
We double checked every possible part we could think of, but found nothing.
President.
Maybe our valve's the cause after all...
Hey you. Don't you believe in our valve?!
I want to believe in it too!
I do, but...
Will you...
believe in me?
Of course.
What father doesn't believe in his daughter?
Then keep your eyes open, okay?
And watch me.
Maybe we should check it again.
President, are you doubting our valve too?
It's because I believe in it
that I'm going to face it squarely.
Asagi-san. Asagi-san!
Yes...yes. I'm sorry.
Please cut this
with a wire cutter
in two halves straight down the middle.
President.
Please.
Nothing. There's no abnormality.
This is hopeless.
What is it?
Look.
What do you think this is?
Can you see the color changing depending on the angle?
Are they scratch marks caused by some kind of friction?
Scratch marks?
Helium bottle, pressure regulator valve... If the substance that left scratch marks on the valve
escaped outside,
it would've passed through this pipe.
Good morning, Chikada-san. Do you have a minute?
Tsukuda-san would like to examine the pipe on the downstream side of the pressure regulator valve.
What do you expect to find in there?
Shouldn't you be re-examining your valve first?
We've done that, of course. Having done that, we'd like to examine the pipe.
Oh, yeah? Then do as you please.
However, please handle it carefully.
Even our pipe is different from the consumer products you're used to handling.
Damn him! How dare he treat us like amateurs.
- I apologize for his rude behavior. - No, that's not what I meant...
There's no need for you to apologize, Asagi-san. Nomura, fiberscope!
There are scratch marks in here too.
What the heck is this?!
Tsukuda-san, your 3 days are up. Are you satisfied now?
Yes, thank you. We were able to track down what caused the failure of the combustion test.
Upon re-inspecting our valve,
we discovered microscopic scratch marks inside, as if something rubbed against it.
So the cause was your valve as we suspected.
No. The substance that left the scratch marks
passed through our valve along with the helium gas,
leaving a minuscule trace inside the pipe.
Tsukuda Pressure Control Valve
What we gathered from there
is this.
- What's this? - Particles of silicon dioxide.
Silicon dioxide? Why would something like this be there?
If this silicon dioxide was indeed the culprit that caused our valve system to malfunction,
the location of that occurrence is...
the filter on the upstream side of the pressure regulator valve.
This is the filter that was used. Please take a took.
You can see that silicon dioxide is stuck to this too.
An on the other side as well.
I'm sure you know that silicon dioxide can emerge when filters are being manufactured.
It's very likely that those particles got stuck there during that manufacturing process.
Silicon dioxide, detached by the high pressure helium gas,
passed through the pipe along with the gas
and made its way into our pressure regulator valve.
That would also explain the scratch marks left on the surface of our valve.
Did you find something?
Yes. The thing is,
it seems particles of silicon dioxide were stuck on the valve filter.
Is that why the valve malfunctioned?
Yes. That's the only reason we can think of.
We don't know that for sure yet, though.
The person in charge of this filter is...
Chikada.
But...like Chief Tomiyama said, something like that certainly can't stop a valve from working...
It sure can. The particles are big enough to be detected with a magnifier.
If the particles got caught between the piston and cylinder of the pressure regulator valve,
malfunction is highly possible.
- That's just a speculation. - It's a speculation that's extremely close to a conviction.
It's the answer we arrived at after doing all this re-inspection.
There's no other possible cause to be found.
But isn't it odd? During the course of the product test,
- no abnormalities were noted, right? - That's because...
Our filter was used at the time of the product test.
But I heard at the combustion test, you wanted to use your own filter and it was replaced.
I see.
Is this the result of your arbitrary decision?
I never thought
something like this would happen.
Hey, Chikada.
How can you overlook obvious foreign particles like that?!
- I'm sorry. - I'm asking for a reason, not an apology.
That's because there's no doubt our filter is superior to Tsukuda's filter.
Isn't that why you instructed us to switch over too?
If I knew there was a problem, I wouldn't have given the instruction.
It's clearly your mistake, Chikada.
Tomiyama.
You're the man in charge, aren't you?
Chikada, you too. Your excuse is only making yourself look bad.
Is this the extent of Teikoku Heavy Industries' technological capability?
You ought to be ashamed.
I'm...
sorry.
However, as the person in charge of Teikoku Heavy Industries' Engineering Department,
I don't think I did anything wrong.
To develop and manufacture all key device in-house.
That precisely is the foundation of the Stardust Project, and
a matter of top priority that President Toma was striving for.
That being the case,
it's only natural that we consider using our own filter.
By all rights, the valve system itself
should have been made with our own hands.
That's what you said at first too, Director Zaizen.
Yet, to have that valve system that can be said to be the key part of a rocket engine...
Tomiyama-san,
it's true that in Teikoku Heavy Industries' eyes,
we may be a small company not worth dealing with. But you know,
our employees' passion to make things
is second to none.
The fact that we were able to determine this cause wasn't due solely to the effort of us here.
It was because there were other numerous employees who spent the past 3 days and nights at the company
exerting all their effort into determining the cause, just like us.
It's because of the effort of employees like them
that the valve system was born.
Is that the so-called Tsukuda pride?
Small businesses have the pride of a small business. Is that what you're trying to say?
Certainly, there's that.
But what I'm feeling at the moment is a little different.
The reason we were able to come this far,
first and foremost, is because we had Director Zaizen's help.
We were able to find the answer thanks also to Asagi-san
who worked hard with us these past 3 days, along with
the engineers of Teikoku Heavy Industries.
Before a big dream to achieve something,
there's no big corporation or small businesses,
Teikoku Heavy Industries or Tsukuda Manufacturing.
There's just that one desire to make something great,
our pride as engineers.
Tomiyama-san.
Please let us achieve that dream with you.
By working together...
let's launch a purely domestic rocket!
Five days later, a combustion test was conducted again.
By knocking out unprecedented numbers,
the valve system manufactured by Tsukuda passed with flying colors.
Teikoku Heavy Industries Headquarters
Do you still think that we should use Tsukuda's valve?
Yes. Both performance and reliability are outstanding.
We can keep the cost down as well.
We should use it, General Manager.
Will you be able to persuade the President?
As far as I know, once President Toma makes a decision,
he never reverses it.
What's more, by successfully carrying out this Stardust Project,
the President is eyeing the next chairman's position of the Japan Business Federation.
That's exactly why the President has been appealing to the world
the development capability of our company to manufacture all key device in-house.
Procuring parts from a small business like Tsukuda
can make the President, no, make Teikoku Heavy Industries lose face.
Can you overturn all that, Zaizen?
I'll just have to do it.
All right. Then you explain directly to the President at the next Board meeting.
- Yes, sir. - Zaizen-kun, I'm sorry, but I'll have to count on you.
Zaizen-san, the barrier that has to be overcome
that you were talking about at the test site,
is it incredibly high?
When I saw your valve for the first time,
I was convinced as a fellow engineer that
it would pass the test without a doubt.
So that Toma would understand the magnificence of that valve,
I will do my very best.
Hereafter, it's my job.
Zaizen-san,
strangely enough, I'm not worried at all.
Persuading the President may not be an easy thing to do indeed.
But we've done everything we could.
From here on,
I'll believe in you.
Tsukuda-san.
Now then, I'd like to move on to today's last agenda topic.
I've come here today to ask for the Board's approval
to resolve a problem that arose at the development phase of the full-size hydrogen engine
while moving forward with the Stardust Project.
Problem?
Yes, sir.
First, I'd like to explain the circumstances.
Sorry, guys, for making you keep me company.
But I just feel too restless if I'm not doing something like this.
What you see here is the benchmark of valve systems
mounted on full-size rocket engines from various countries.
And this is the test result of the valve developed by our company.
Unfortunately, however, a company called Tsukuda Manufacturing, as noted in the handout,
just barely beat us to getting a patent for this valve,
making it impossible for us to materialize.
- Are you negotiating to buy out the patent? - Yes.
However, Tsukuda Manufacturing's wish is to supply us the parts.
Supply us the parts? That's absurd.
There's no way a small business can make parts for a rocket engine!
You're aware of our concept to self-manufacture all key device, aren't you?
Are you saying you're breaking away from that principle?
Yes, that's right.
I'm asking for your approval as an exception.
It's an exception that's in the best interest of our company.
No way in hell.
Is that all you have to say?
President!
Please wait.
Do you remember? The rocket that failed in its launch 7 years ago
had an engine called Seiren.
Oh, that Seiren?
The president of Tsukuda Manufacturing, Tsukuda Kohei,
was its chief developer back then.
President Toma, who was spearheading the aerospace business at our company at that time,
would know very well what an innovative engine Seiren was.
Are you saying that the man who developed that engine
developed this valve system?
Yes.
The launch failed because of that chief developer, right?
Are you saying that we should use the valve made by a man like him for this rocket project?
Why did Seiren fail?
- Do you know the reason? - As I recall,
it had something to do with a problem with the fuel system.
That's right. But in the final analysis, the fundamental problem was in the valve system.
Tsukuda knew that.
That's why he focused on the valve system and
continued his research and development specifically for that.
As you know, the valve system is indeed the key technology of a rocket engine.
This valve system made by Tsukuda
is undoubtedly the masterpiece of rocket components.
- That's just your personal opinion. - It's not just my personal opinion.
It's an objective fact backed up by data.
Please take a look.
This is the test result of Tsukuda Manufacturing's valve system.
Are you saying that a small company like that made a valve of this caliber?!
That's right.
I would like to use this valve for our Stardust Project.
May I have your approval?
What would happen if we didn't use this valve?
With our current capability, it would be impossible to produce a valve superior to this.
If we end up using the old type of valve,
our fallout from the international competition would naturally be inevitable.
- Is that all? - No.
If we don't use it,
another rival company could possibly use it. If that happens,
the Stardust Project that you've been promoting by
moving the aerospace initiative forward
with overpowering technological dominance will collapse.
You're the one who's ignoring the President's wishes and urging him to procure the parts!
It's not too late yet. Go negotiate to buy out the patent.
- That would be impossible. - Why?
Because it's President Tsukuda's dream to launch a rocket
with parts he produced himself.
Dream? What kind of a naive talk is that?
Yes. That's what I thought at first too.
However, if it wasn't for that single-minded pursuit,
a valve of this caliber would not have been born.
President Tsukuda was ousted from the research facility
and even after he became the president of a small company,
he continued to pursue that dream.
President Toma, you used to be like that too.
On an earlier occasion when I watched you observing the plant,
I thought there was a chance.
You, too, were once an outstanding engineer at our company,
but to further the realization of the ideal of aerospace business,
you chose to go into management.
If that's the kind of man you are,
you would certainly understand Tsukuda-shi's feelings.
That's what I believe.
Those who control the valve control the rocket engine.
Tsukuda-shi knows that very, very well.
A valve that surpasses this valve
doesn't exist anywhere else in the world right now.
It's the best valve system in the world.
Won't you please give me your approval?
Those who control the valve
control the rocket engine, huh?
7 years ago,
if the Seiren made by that guy had launched successfully,
our country's aerospace industry undoubtedly
would've been standing on top of the world.
Should I take my chance?
With the man who clawed his way up from rock bottom.
All right.
Let's use this valve.
Thank you, sir!
Our Toma is like you in that for the past 7 years, he fed off that failed launch
and didn't give up on his dream.
That's exactly why he took his chance with you. That's what I think.
You were absolutely right.
With any difficult problem, as long as you keep on tackling it,
you're bound to find an answer.
I can believe that now.
Actually, my father also owned a small factory.
He was domineering and did whatever he pleased, dragging down everyone around him.
I couldn't forgive my father for being like that.
The reason I joined Teikoku Heavy Industries
was perhaps out of spite for my father.
But after meeting you, I think I got to understand my father's feelings too.
Now, I'm sincerely proud of the fact that
I chose to work for Teikoku Heavy Industries.
Thank you, Tsukuda-san.
- It's thanks to you. - I feel the same way too.
If it wasn't for that failed launch 7 years ago,
I don't know if I would've succeeded my dad's company either.
Zaizen-san.
This time for sure
- let's make this launch a success. - To that end,
please provide us with
the best valve in the world.
You can count on us.
6 months later
And 6 months later, on October 15, the Stardust Project at long last
welcomed the launching day of the first purely domestic rocket, X-IIA,
equipped with Tsukuda Manufacturing's valve system.
It's finally going to be launched, huh?
Because you introduced Attorney Kamiya to us,
we were able to come this far. Thanks.
Oh, stop it. You're giving me the creeps.
That aside,
make sure Rina gets to see it.
Yeah. Of course.
This is Tanegashima Space Center, Launch Control Center.
We are now 8 minutes away from blastoff.
We will be switching over to the automated countdown sequencer from this point on.
Automated countdown sequencer, start.
479 478 477 476...
Excuse me.
It's our valve, isn't it? That's going to launch that rocket.
That's right.
20 seconds until blastoff.
18 17 16 15
14 13 12 11
10 9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
The first domestic rocket will be exiting the atmosphere in 1 minute
Advanced Medical Technology Institute
and 20 minutes later, the satellite will be launched...
Go. Go for it.
It will pass through the range of flight visibility shortly.
Switching over the antenna station from Tanegashima to Guam.
Exiting the earth's atmosphere. It's now in outer space!
Reaching the orbit in 10 seconds.
5 4 3 2 1
Satellite launched!
It's a success!
Hello. Tsukuda speaking.
Yes.
It's a success!
Dad.
I want to make rockets too.
So...
I'm going to try in earnest to get into Keio's Department of Science and Technology.
The next opponent is the medical industry!
New rivals emerge
The next president of the Association of Medical Sciences
The master of heart surgery
The elite company president returning from NASA
From rocket to human body
The Gaudi arc begins!