Tsukuba Space Center

As JAXA's center for the latest research and development in space, Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) offers tours of its facility for a better understanding of its work from the past, in the present, and for the future. The exhibition space is divided into rocket, satellite, and space-utilization sections. There are full-scale test models


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September 14, 2009 Updated

JFY 2009 TKSC special open-house event for Space Day

Date and time: October 17 (Sat.) 2009, between 10: 00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
(Reception will close at 3:30 p.m.)

The Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) will hold a special open-house event for the Space Day of Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2009.
At the event, we will introduce our various activities and achievements at the TKSC under the catchphrase, “Here is Tsukuba! Let’s deliver everybody’s dreams to space.”

Live report from Houston!
– Message from Astronaut Noguchi and Astronaut Yamazaki –
From 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

Lecture by JAXA employees
From 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Lecturer: Makoto Arita, H-IIB Project Team Function Manager
“H-IIB Launch Vehicle, the largest and strongest launch vehicle in Japan”

From 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.
Lecturer: Hiroshi Sasaki, HTV Project Team Function Manager
“HTV, the first Japanese spaceship”

From 1:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Lecturer: Masataka Adachi, Associate Senior Administrator, Program Management and Integration Department, Human Space Systems and Utilization Mission Directorate
“Secrets of the International Space Station (ISS)”

Events
- Introduction of Japan Experiment Module “Kibo”

- Introduction of satellites
- Let’s look at the real-time world
- Earth Observation Satellite “DAICHI” corner
- Nickname the first Quasi-zenith Satellite
- Feel the current Earth – the world observed by “IBUKI” –
- Collect “Satellite Card II”
- “KIKU No. 8” satellite communication experience corner
- Treasure hunting by GPS – Look for a treasure using information from satellites –

- Space experience! Let’s work on craft!
- Play with solar butteries, an imperative device in space! – Introducing solar butteries for space using a toy solar car –
- Transform yourself by YAC!! – Be an astronaut

 A mini-tour of the astronaut training facility
  1. Morning tour: 200 people (Registration starts at 10:00 a.m.)
  2. Afternoon tour: 200 people (Registration starts at 1:00 p.m.)
  * Registration will be at a tent in front of the tour site.
  * Infants must be accompanied by parents or other guardians

Open House of Astronaut Training Facility
- Think about space!
- Space Experiment Show
  From 2:00 p.m. (for about 45 minutes)


- Let’s think about space!

- Introducing technology that supports space development
 - Launch vehicle corner
 - Launch vehicle tour
 - Exhibition Hall guided tour – Starts at every top of the hour and half past of the hour –
 - What is Space Robot?


- Plastic-bottle rocket class
  • Class #1: 10:00 a.m. thru noon / First 200 people
    (* A numbered ticket will be distributed from 10:00 a.m.)
  • Class #2: 1:30 p.m. thru 3:30 p.m. / First 200 people
    (*A numbered ticket will be distributed from 1:30 p.m.)
    Launch experience (without making a plastic-bottle rocket) and launch demonstration of a parachute-type rocket are also scheduled.
    (*A numbered ticket will be distributed at the Plastic-rocket class site.)


JAXA is actively engaged in environment protection activities. Therefore, we would like to ask each of you to bring an empty plastic bottle for making a plastic bottle rocket. Let’s transform a plastic bottle that was treated as garbage to your one and only plastic bottle rocket in the world.
We will prepare some bottles, but your cooperation in bringing a plastic bottle will be very much appreciated for the protection of the global environment.

* Please bring a plastic soda, or sparkling beverage, bottle. (We normally use a 1.5-liter bottle, but a 500-ml bottle and a one-liter bottle are also acceptable. )
* There is a limit to the number of participants in the plastic bottle rocket class, thus please understand that you may not be able to make a rocket even if you bring a plastic bottle.
Eco Campaign
We will give a memento to those who come to the event on foot, by bicycle, or by public transportation. Your cooperation in limiting traffic jams and in environment conservation is appreciated.
Stamp Rally
We will give JAXA original goods to those who collect all the stamps!


There are many more enjoyable events scheduled. Please come and join us!

* Request for Cooperation in Preventive measures against influenza infection at the Open-house Event
  1. Please check your body temperature before leaving your home.
    (Those who have a fever of 38°C (100°F) or above are not allowed to enter JAXA facilities.)
  2. If one member in your company is found to have a fever of 38°C (100°F) or above on your way to visit the TKSC, we may ask all of you to refrain from entering JAXA facilities as all of you will be regarded as being infected.
  3. Please sterilize your hands using the antiseptic alcoholic solution prepared by JAXA at the entrance.
  4. If you wish to wear a mask for preventive measures, please bring your own mask.

To prevent influenza infection, your cooperation will be very much appreciated.

* Please use public transport as much as possible. A large-size bus cannot enter the TKSC.

Services

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* Free admission

H-II Launch Vehicle

You can see an actual H-II Launch Vehicle (real flight model) when you go through the main gate. Please feel the dynamism of a real launch vehicle that is 50 meters in length.


Exhibits

Open: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (Reception closes at 4:00p.m.)
Closed: Dec. 29 to Jan. 3

Rockets

We display many interesting items including miniature models of rockets that have been developed by JAXA and a model of a full-scale H-II rocket engine.

Satellites

There are many full-scale test satellite models on display. Also, the weather satellite "Himawari," which is used for daily weather forecasts, is exhibited.

Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo"

As a part of the International Space Station project, Japan has been developing an experiment module KIBO. There is an exhibit of its full-scale model, which can be entered.

Space Library

Open: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Space Library, located in the PR area, is designed for visitors of various ages, from young children to adults, to learn about space development and to deepen their knowledge of space through publications, videos, and websites. It is also ideal for small study groups. Thirty-minute to one-hour lectures are available with advanced booking. Please contact phone number above for more information.

Space Shop

Open hours: 9:20 a.m. thru 5:00 p.m.
Closed between December 29 thru January 3
Contact: 029-850-1718 (or +81-29-850-1718 from overseas)

We sell JAXA and space-related goods. "Space Curry," "Freeze-dried cake," and "Freeze-dried ice cream" are popular items. Please stop by our shop when you visit the TKSC.

General Guided Tours

* Please make an advanced booking.
  • Tours are available everyday, except on the special open house day during the Science Week, Space Day (which is also a special open house day,) facility inspection days, and between Dec. 29 and Jan. 3
  • Tours start at 10:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 pm., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
  • A tour takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • For bookings, please call: 029-868-2023 (+81-29-868-2023 from overseas)

In the general guided tour, you can visit the Space Station Test Building, then either visit the Weightless Environment Test Building and Astronaut Training Facility, or experience the loud sound of a launch vehicle (the course is determined by JAXA depending on its operational schedule.) The tour starts with an explanatory movie in the audiovisual room, then a guide takes you around the facilities. For more details, please look at the "Tours" page

Kibo Control Room Tour

* Please make an advanced booking.
  • Tours are available on weekdays except facility inspection days, and between December 29 and January 3. We may have to close the facility due to some reason, such as operational reasons. Therefore, please check the available tour schedule in advance.
  • The tour starts at 3:00 p.m. daily (once a day.)
  • A tour takes about 10 minutes.
  • For bookings, please call: 029-868-2023 (+81-29-868-2023 from overseas)

At the Tsukuba Space Center, JAXA operates and controls the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo," which is attached to the International Space Station, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can witness the operation in real time by taking this tour.
As the Kibo Control Room is designated as a higher security area than other tour facilities, there are some points for tour participants to be aware of, such as presenting your ID to JAXA for confirmation. For more details, please call the above telephone number. (Those who participate in a general tour do not have to present your ID.)
This tour may be canceled due to Kibo mission operations or other reasons. Please confirm the available tour schedule and make a reservation in advance.
For more details please check the "Tours" page.

Location:

2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba-shi,
Ibaraki 305-8505

For exhibition and tour information:

Phone +81-29-868-2023
Fax +81-29-868-2851
Access

For inquiries regarding PR activities at the Tsukuba Space Center

Phone +81-29-868-5216
Fax +81-29-868-5966
Please feel free to contact the Public Affairs Department at the Tsukuba Space Center for interview, PR activities, special events, and lectures by JAXA employees at the center.

Open to the Public

Special exhibitions are held during Science and Technology Week in April and on Space Day in October.