Hohsenka
Single-passenger atmospheric re-entry shuttle used by AEUG and Axis forces.
The Hohsenka was a single-passenger space shuttle capable of atmospheric re-entry used by the AEUG (Anti-Earth Union Group) and Axis forces during the Gryps Conflict.
History
The Hohsenka was developed as a specialised atmospheric entry vehicle designed to safely transport single passengers from space to Earth’s surface. The craft’s compact design and atmospheric re-entry capabilities made it ideal for covert operations and emergency evacuations during the turbulent period of the Gryps Conflict.
In UC 0087, an advance fleet from Axis used a Hohsenka to transport Anaheim Electronics engineer Nina Purpleton back to Earth. This mission demonstrated the vehicle’s reliability and the cooperation between Axis forces and civilian contractors during the complex political situation of the era.
The Hohsenka’s deployment by both AEUG and Axis forces indicated the vehicle’s widespread adoption among anti-Titans factions. Its single-passenger capacity made it particularly suitable for high-value personnel transport and intelligence operations where larger vehicles would be impractical or conspicuous.
Design
The Hohsenka featured a compact, streamlined design optimised for atmospheric re-entry operations. The vehicle’s small size allowed it to avoid detection by enemy forces whilst providing reliable transportation for individual passengers.
The craft was equipped with a standard canopy-style cockpit designed to accommodate a single pilot. The cockpit design prioritised pilot safety during the stresses of atmospheric re-entry, with appropriate life support systems and impact protection integrated into the vehicle’s structure.
The Hohsenka’s atmospheric re-entry capability was its primary distinguishing feature, allowing it to safely navigate the transition from space to Earth’s surface. This capability required sophisticated heat shielding and aerodynamic design to manage the extreme temperatures and forces encountered during atmospheric entry.
Operational characteristics
The Hohsenka’s compact size and specialised design made it particularly suitable for covert operations and emergency evacuations. The vehicle’s single-passenger capacity, whilst limiting its utility for large-scale personnel transport, provided advantages in terms of stealth and operational flexibility.
The craft’s atmospheric re-entry capability eliminated the need for complex orbital rendezvous procedures or surface-based recovery operations, allowing for direct transportation from space-based facilities to Earth’s surface.
Behind the scenes
The Hohsenka’s name derives from the Japanese word for balsam or impatiens, a flowering plant known for its ability to explosively disperse seeds—perhaps reflecting the vehicle’s function as a rapid deployment system for personnel.
Appearances
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
- Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
- Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam Define