JAXA Uchinoura Space Center

Overview

JAXA Uchinoura Space Center, located in Kamoike-cho, Kagoshima Prefecture, is a vital facility spearheading Japan's space exploration. Established in 1964, it has launched numerous rockets and satellites. Notably, it launched the Hayabusa asteroid explorer, which returned samples from asteroid Itokawa, and its successor, Hayabusa2. The center is open to visitors and features a rocket launch pad, enormous parabolic antennas, and a space science museum. The launch pad is where rockets are actually launched, offering a firsthand glimpse of the launch's power. The giant parabolic antennas are crucial for receiving signals from space. The Space Science Museum showcases Japan's space exploration history, technology, and various space-related exhibits. Uchinoura Space Center provides a unique opportunity to experience the cutting edge of space development. If you're captivated by space and its possibilities, this is a must-visit.