JAXA Tsukuba Space Center

JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, opened in 1972, is one of Japan’s largest space development bases and is located in the Tsukuba Science City in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture. On its sprawling grounds of about 530,000 square meters—roughly the size of 12 Tokyo Domes—it houses research, development, and testing facilities for artificial satellites and rockets, the operations control room for the International Space Station (ISS) Kibo Japanese Experiment Module, astronaut training facilities, and more. As the hub of Japan’s space development, work is carried out daily on satellite development and operations, observation data analysis, research into space transportation systems, and experiments and technology development that make use of the space environment.

In the Kibo operations control room inside the center, more than 50 staff members, including flight directors, work in three shifts to maintain 24/7, 365-day operations. The center also conducts astronaut selection, basic training, and health management, serving as a base for Japanese astronauts.

Just inside the main gate, visitors are first greeted by a full-scale H-II rocket on display in Rocket Plaza—an authentic vehicle that was actually used for ground testing. Its impressive presence also makes it a popular photo spot.

At the adjacent exhibition hall, Space Dome, visitors can learn about the history of JAXA’s space development and its cutting-edge technologies. Exhibits include a 1/1,000,000-scale model of Earth, a full-scale model of the Hayabusa2 probe, satellites from the Kiku series, rocket engines, and more. In particular, the full-scale model of the Kibo Japanese Experiment Module is truly spectacular, and visitors can step inside to experience the work environment of astronauts.

The facility also includes Planet Cube, an exhibition building introducing the latest information, as well as a museum shop selling space food and JAXA merchandise. In addition, it features globally rare research facilities such as the 13-meter-diameter Space Chamber and the Large Vibration Test Facility, which are used to ensure the reliability of artificial satellites.

On the reserved Guided Tour, visitors can tour the operations control room, training facilities, and test facilities with a specialist guide, experiencing the front lines of space development up close. (Please check the official website for availability.)

The Tsukuba Space Center is the heart of Japan’s space development, where cutting-edge science and technology meet humanity’s dreams, and it is a popular destination where visitors of all ages can learn about and experience the wonder of space.