October 18, 2011 Updated

JFY 2011 TKSC open-house event successfully completed

On Oct. 15 (Sat.), JAXA held a special open-house event at the Tsukuba Space Center under the catch phrase of "Come to Tsukuba! The place where you can be connected to space." Despite unpleasant weather with strong wind and torrential rain, we had 6,924 visitors. The event was enriched with lectures by JAXA employees including Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and Mr. Keizo Nakagawa,the SHIZUKU project manager. SHIZUKU, or the Global Change Observation Mission 1st- Water, will we launched within this fiscal year. The lectures were followed by an active question and answer session which continued longer than we had expected. It was unfortunate that we were forced to cancel some of the prepared events due to bad weather such as a "treasure hunting game" using satellites including the first quasi-zenith satellite "MICHIBIKI" for the first time, and the plastic-bottle rocket launch. Still, visitors enjoyed looking at some facilities that are usually off limits such as an experiment room for robots. We believe that we were able to introduce our research and development activities to people who love space and to children who may become researchers in the future.
Thank you very much for joining our event. The next special open house is scheduled for April 21 (Sat.), 2012. We hope to see you all again.

September 2, 2011 Updated

JFY 2011 TKSC special open house event for Space Day

JAXA is holding its annual special open-house event for Space Day at the Tsukuba Space Center.
We are preparing various events under the catch phrase of "Come to Tsukuba! The place where you can be connected to space." Please visit our facility with your friends and families.

Time and Date:
10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. on October 15 (Sat.), 2011
(Reception desk will be closed at 3:30 p.m., thus no one can enter the facility after that.)

Major events:

• Autumn lectures
  (1) By an astronaut
  (2) By a JAXA employee (GCOM-W1, ALOS-2, SDS-4, Space medicine and biology)
• Plastic-bottle rocket class
• Let's measure the distance to a satellite
• Vibrating toy corner
• Experience sound of rocket launch
• Have a look at operation control room for Kibo/HTV
• Open House of Astronaut Training Facility
• Open House of training room for Kibo's robotic arm maneuvering
• Let's feel the sensation of extravehicular activities in space through a 3D movie
• MICHIBIKI and GPS treasure-hunting
• Find out more about the Earth observed by DAICHI
• IBUKI shows you the Earth for your better understanding
• Disassemble and find out more about the GCOM-W1 satellite
• "Earth Theater" Global precipitation map on a globe-shape big screen
• Earth observed by infrared light
• Let's assemble a small satellite
• Those who want to go to space, please come and join us!
  -- Collecting messages from people who wish to go to space --

We are planning to hold many other events. Please look forward to the open house.
* Please understand that some of the above events or the contents of the events are subject to change or cancellation due to some unexpected reasons.

For inquiries about the open-house event at the TKSC:
TKSC Public Affairs Office
Tel: 050-3362-6265/4881 (or +81-50-3362-6265/4881 from overseas, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays)

July 4, 2011 Updated

Summer Double Event at TKSC

We are holding a special summer event that both adults and children can enjoy. Please come and join us.
Period: From July 21 to August 31, 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Planet Cube at the TKSC
Exhibition contents:
- Panel Exhibition
- Summer lab event
Admission: Free
For inquires, please call:
050-3362-6265 (+81-50-3362-6265 from overseas)

May 18, 2011 Updated

Live report of Astronaut Furukawa's ISS expedition mission on June 8 (Wed.) and 10 (Fri.)

We offer a public viewing area for the live broadcast of the Soyuz launch, which Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa will be aboard, (at around 5:15 a.m. on June 8, Japan standard Time,) and his entering the International Space Station (at around 9:00 a.m. on the 10th, JST) at the Tsukuba Space Center. The live report is also scheduled to be broadcast on cable TV or through the Internet, but why don't you come to the JAXA facility to support Astronaut Furukawa's mission with us? For more detailed information about the public viewing, please contact the TKSC.

Date and time (JST):

• Soyuz (27S) launch
  4:30 to 5:30 a.m. on June 8 (Wed.) (You can enter the room from 4:15.)
• Arriving at the ISS
  8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on June 10 (Fri.) (You can enter the room from 8:15.)

Location:
Tsukuba Space Center, Audiovisual Room
* Some parking spaces are available at the visitor's parking lot next to the Space Dome.

• International Space Station

April 7, 2011 Updated

Special Spring Event 'Space now and then - the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's space flight and Astronaut Furukawa - 'from April 12

The Tsukuba Space Center recently opened the relaxing space "Planet Cube." We will hold a special spring exhibition "Space now and then – the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's space flight and Astronaut Furukawa – " from April 12 (Tue.)
This year is the 50th anniversary of Gagarin's first manned space flight from the former Soviet Union. Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa of JAXA is scheduled to travel to the International Space Station for an expedition of about six months by the Russian spaceship Soyuz in such a commemorative year.
TKSC would like to hold an exhibition under the theme of Soviet and Russian manned space development to recognize this important year.
We will exhibit some precious items which are not usually displayed such as a life-size tapestry of Soyuz, a real-size model of the re-entry capsule, and a Russian spacesuit and space food. Also, valuable photos of early manned space development in the Soviet Union were provided by the Russian news and information agency RIA Novosti. We also introduce some unfamiliar episodes at that time. Please come and join us with your family and friends.

Period:

From April 12 (Tue.) to early July, 2011

Time:

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Venue:

Planet Cube at the TKSC (Adjacent building to the exhibition hall "Space Dome")

Exhibition contents:

Russian space development and Astronaut Furukawa's mission

Admission:

Free

Planet Cube is a renewed rest area for visitors with a museum shop (previously called "space toy shop") next to it for easier access to the shop.

March 24, 2011 Updated

TKSC Science and Technology Week special open-house event canceled

The Tsukuba Space Center decided to call off the special open house event for Science and Technology Week scheduled for April 16, as we had to drastically scale down the event as well as also consider the current reduced services of public transportation due to the impact of the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Coastal Earthquake on March 11.
We are sorry for any inconvenience, but ask for understanding.

February 8, 2011 Updated

LE-7A Engine arrives at TKSC!

The LE-7A Engine*, which used to be displayed at JAXA i, the JAXA information center in Tokyo which was closed permanently in Dec. 2010, was transported to the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC).
As soon as it arrived at the TKSC, it was exhibited at the TKSC exhibition hall, "Space Dome".
The life-size engine (test model) stands out among the exhibits. Please come and see it for yourself.

* LE-7A Engine: the engine used for the first stage of the H-IIA and H-IIB Launch Vehicles. The operational cycle is a two-staged combustion with 3.18 million horse power.

October 20, 2010 Updated

2010 TKSC special open-house for Space Day completed

1On Oct. 16, the special open-house for Space Day was held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) under the catchphrase, "Let's go and try an authentic space experience."
It was a fine autumn day, and as many as 10,209 people visited our facility.
A live talk event by Astronaut Furukawa as well as lectures by JAXA employees were full of participants and science cafes for the MICHIBIKI and IBUKI were also very successful.
Many visitors also enjoyed a tour of the exhibition hall that was newly opened in July this year, and the IKAROS exhibition and explanations by its project related people. The "GPS treasure-hunting" and "plastic bottle rocket class," which were canceled at the spring special open-house due to rainy weather, were also carried out, and many participants, both children and adults, were excited. JAXA staff were also thrilled by the event.

We greatly appreciate all of you who came to the event.
The next open-house is scheduled to be on April 16 (Sat.), 2011. We are looking forward to seeing you at the TKSC.

September 29, 2010 Updated

JFY 2010 TKSC special open-house event for Space Day

The Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) will hold a special open-house event for the Space Day of Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2010 on Oct. 16 (Sat.) At the event, we will introduce our various activities and achievements at the TKSC under the catchphrase, “Let’s go and try an authentic space experience.” We are preparing various events including a live lecture by Astronaut Furukawa from Houston, a plastic bottle rocket class, and a space experiment show. Please visit our facilities on this occasion.

Time and Date:
10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. on October 16 (Sat.), 2010
(Reception desk opens between 10:00 a.m. thru 3:30 p.m.)

Event
- Live report from Houston! Lecture by Astronaut Furukawa
- Lectures by JAXA employees
- Exhibition Hall "Space Dome" tour
- Launch vehicle tour
- Plastic-bottle rocket class
- Introduction of Japan Experiment Module “Kibo”
- space experiment show
- Open House of Astronaut Training Facility
- Introduction of Space Biomedical Research
- Transform yourself!! Be an astronaut
- GPS treasure-hunting
- Earth Observation Satellite “DAICHI” corner
- Experience of rocket launching sound

For inquiries about the open-house event at the TKSC:
TKSC Public Affairs Office
Tel: 050-3362-6265/4881 (or +81-50-3362-6265/4881 from overseas, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays)

September 24, 2010 Updated

Crown Prince and Netherlands' Prince visit Tsukuba Space Center

On September 14, the Crown Prince and the Prince of the Netherlands, who was visiting Japan, called on the Tsukuba Space Center.
The two Princes listened to explanations at the International Space Technology Exchange House about the utilization of earth observation data by JAXA for water circulation and climate change, then looked at the flight model of the Global Change Observation Mission - Water (GCOM-W1) at the Spacecraft Integration and Test Building.
They also earnestly listened to explanations by JAXA Executive Director Shiraki and Astronaut Chiaki Mukai at the operation and control room of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."

September 15, 2010 Updated

TKSC exhibition hall nicknamed "Space Dome"

We asked people to suggest a nickname for the exhibition hall at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC), which opened on July 17. As a result of voting from 5,965 people, "Space Dome" was chosen as the nickname. TKSC will work hard to make the Space Dome a place where people can feel familiar with and deepen their understanding and support of space. Your further assistance and backing will be very helpful.
We would like to extend our appreciation to all voting participants. Thank you very much.

September 3, 2010 Updated

Second special exhibition at the TKSC Exhibition Hall
Special MICHIBIKI exhibition is underway

Prior to the launch of the first quasi-zenith satellite "MICHIBIKI" scheduled on September 11 (Sat. Japan Standard Time,) the special MICHIBIKI exhibition is being held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) Exhibition Hall as the second special exhibition for celebrating its renewal open.
We will also have a public viewing there to broadcast the live launch report of the MICHIBIKI on Sep. 11 (Sat.) Please come and join us to support the MICHIBIKI project.

- Live broadcast start: at 7:45 p.m. on September 11 (Sat., Japan Standard Time)
- Launch time: between 8:17 and 9:16 p.m. on September 11 (JST, Scheduled time slot)

* Please be aware that the launch may be postponed even at the last minute.
* For updated information about the launch, please visit the following URL.

• MICHIBIKI Special Site

August 6, 2010 Updated

Thank you very much for coming to the 'HAYABUSA' Special Exhibition at the TKSC

We are pleased to have received 28,217 visitors to the “Welcome Home 'HAYABUSA' Special Exhibition” at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) Exhibition Hall between Aug. 2 and 6. Thank you very much for coming to the TKSC despite the sweltering heat.
The special exhibition has finished, but you can always visit the TKSC Exhibition Hall, which just opened in July. No reservations are required, and admission is free. If you haven’t visited us yet, why don’t you stop by with your family during the summer vacation season.

July 28, 2010 Updated

Tsukuba Space Center Exhibition Hall Special Exhibition 1
Welcome Home 'HAYABUSA' Special Exhibition

JAXA will hold a "Welcome Home 'HAYABUSA' Special Exhibition" at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) as the first event of the special exhibition series for the opening of the new TKSC Exhibition Hall between Aug. 2 (Mon.) through Aug. 6 (Fri.) Please do not miss this opportunity to have a look at parts of the Asteroid Explorer HAYABUSA's capsule, which came back to Earth on June 13.

Date and Time
Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Aug. 2 (Mon.) thru Aug. 6 (Fri.)

Exhibited parts and scheduled exhibition dates

	Aug 2 (M)	Aug 3 (Tu)	Aug 4 (W)	Aug 5 (Th)	Aug 6 (F)
Front heat shield	*	*	-	-	-
Rear heat shield	*	*	-	-	-
Instruments module	*	*	*	*	*
Onboard electronics device	*	*	*	*	*
Parachute	*	*	*	*	*
Engineering model	*	*	*	*	*

* For detailed information about the exhibited parts, please refer to the following website (Japanese language only)
* The exact location will be shown at the entrance of the Exhibition Hall.

Please be aware of the following points

• No photo shooting is allowed including that from mobile phones.
• We are expecting a huge crowd of visitors, and you may have to wait in line for a long time under the guidance of the clerks in charge. Please also understand that we may have to stop accepting people waiting in line even before 5:00 p.m., if we anticipate that it may not be possible to guide all the people in the line to enter the exhibition hall by 5 p.m. (A clerk in charge will be at the end of the line.)
• We hope as many people as possible can look at the capsule; therefore, your cooperation to smoothly move through in front of the capsule by following our guidance is greatly appreciated. Please do not stop in front of the capsule.
• Please also be aware that you may have to wait outside for a long time in this sweltering weather, thus we recommend you take measures to prevent heat stroke and other heat sickness. If you feel ill, please do not hesitate to tell us immediately.

• HAYABUSA - The Final Approach

July 12, 2010 Updated

Let's visit the new TKSC exhibition hall during summer vacation!

On July 17 (Sat.,) a new exhibition hall will be open at 10:00 a.m. at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC.) The opening coincides with the start of the summer vacation season in Japan.
You can take a look at a 10-meter-high model of the HTV (H-II Transfer Vehicle, a cargo supply transporter to the International Space Station,) as well as models of satellites and rocket engines up close. These exhibits are "test models," which are almost the same as real ones. You could enjoy reality and a scale of space development that you have never experienced before.
On July 17, we will hold an opening ceremony from 9:30 a.m.
You can get a gift of our TKSC original goods when you visit our new exhibition hall during this three-day weekend between July 17 (Sat.) and 19 (Mon., national holiday.) Please be aware that the number of our opening gifts is limited, thus we recommend that you visit us at an earliest possible timing!
Please come and join us.



Opening events exclusively for this summer!

<Voting for a nickname of the new TKSC exhibition hall>
We are asking visitors to vote for a new exhibition hall nickname. We would like all visitors to choose a cool nickname that makes the exhibition hall more familiar to people and facilities people's understanding and support. You can cast a vote between July 17 (Sat.) through August 31 (Sat.) at the exhibition hall. Please participate in the vote when you come to the hall!

<Special Exhibition 1: Exhibition of HAYABUSA's retrieved capsule and other parts>
As we have already announced through our press release and on the website, the HAYABUSA's capsule, which came back to Earth on June 13, will be at the TKSC.
Dates: Between August 2 (Mon.) through 6 (Fri.)
Exhibition: front heat shield, rear heat shield (on Aug. 2 and 3 only,) and other capsule related parts

*We will announce more details later on this site.

May 24, 2010 Updated

Temporary closure of the Exhibition Room at TKSC

JAXA is opening a new exhibition room at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) before the summer vacation season starts on July 17.
Accordingly, we would like to close the current exhibition room between June 14 and July 16. We are sorry for causing this inconvenience, but please visit our new exhibition room when it opens.
We are still offering a guided tour of the TKSC facilities except the exhibition room while it is closed. Please contact the following for the tour.
For tour information: 029-868-2023 (or +81-29-868-2023 from overseas)

(Photo: New exhibition room under construction)

April 22, 2010 Updated

TKSC held an open-house event for Science and Technology Week 2010

On April 17, JAXA held an open-house event at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) under the catch phrase "Discover in Tsukuba! – New hope led by space."

It was unfortunately snowy weather in the morning, but it became better later in the day and we were happy to welcome 10,492 visitors.

The open house was very successful with many enjoyable events. A live talk by Astronaut Furukawa and lectures by JAXA employees were very popular and full of attendees, and a Science Café in corporation with the Japan Agency for Maritime-Earth Science and Technology and Geospatial Information Authority of Japan also enticed lots of visitors.

We also had many participants, both adults and children, for events such as an exhibition of the Venus Climate Explorer "AKATSUKI," which will be launched in May, as well as an explanation about AKATSUKI by its project team, an exhibition by NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), an acoustic experience of H-IIB, a new launch vehicle, and a tour of the "Kibo" Control Room and HTV Control Room. JAXA staff members also enjoyed interacting with the participants.

Thank you very much to all the participants. We will hold an open-house event again in autumn. It is currently scheduled for October 16, 2010. We are looking forward to seeing you all again there.

March 17, 2010 Updated

Special Open-house event at the Tsukuba Space Center

Spring has come, and we are holding a special open-house event at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) for the 2010 Science and Technology Week. Under the catch phrase, "Discover in Tsukuba! – New hope led by space," we will introduce JAXA programs and achievements at the TKSC.

Time and Date:
10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. on April 17 (Sat.), 2010
(Reception desk opens between 10:00 a.m. thru 3:30 p.m.)

<Events>

• Live report from Houston! Lecture by Astronaut Furukawa
  10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Lectures by JAXA employees
• GPS treasure-hunting
• Launch of the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI"
• What is G-space society? "Formulate the future with satellites and electronic maps"
• KIZUNA Science Cafe "From deep ocean to space, revelations of experiments' behind-the-scene moments"
• Rocket tour
• Plastic bottle rocket class
• Eco campaign
• Stamp rally

We are also preparing other enjoyable events.

We will offer a free shuttle bus service between Tsukuba Station (Tsukuba Express Line) and the TKSC on the special open-house day. The TKSC has a parking lot, but, we may restrict access if the lot is full; therefore, we recommend that you use public ransportation.
Please be aware that the TKSC is expected to be crowded on the open-house day.

For inquiries about the open-house event at the TKSC:
TKSC Public Affairs Office
Tel: 050-3362-6265/4881 (or +81-50-3362-6265/4881 from overseas, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays)

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

- Space experience! Let’s work on craft!

- Let’s think about space!

- Introducing technology that supports space development


- 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.)

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.

July 31, 2009 Updated

JAXA participating in annual event at Akihabara TX Square

JAXA Tsukuba Space Center will participate in an annual event held at the Akihabara TX square under the following schedule:

August 1 (Sat) 11:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m.
August 2 (Sun) 11:00 a.m. thru 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Tsukuba Express Akihabara TX Square (Basement Floor)

On July 16 (Thu.,) the third Kibo assembly flight, which was the final flight to complete the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo," was launched with the Kibo's Exposed Facility onboard, and the Facility was assembled with the Kibo's Pressurized Module. At the event, a movie in which Astronaut Wakata guides us around the inside of the Kibo with explanations will be shown.

We will also explain the H-IIA Launch Vehicle and the H-IIB Launch Vehicle, whose maiden launch is scheduled for Sep. 11, with photos, models and parts.

In addition, we will exhibit some panels of observation results on density distribution of greenhouse gases measured by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI," which was launched in January this year. You will also find a large-scale model of the H-IIB and models of some satellites, such as DAICHI, and IBUKI.

We also have some simple quizzes that you can enjoy in a short time. Please come and join us with your family and friends to experience space.

June 17, 2009 Updated

ISTS to be held in Tsukuba

The 27th International Symposium on Space Technology and Science (ISTS) will be held between July 5 (Sun) and July 12 (Sun) in Tsukuba. The main venue of the ISTS this time is the Tsukuba International Congress Center, and the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) will also support this event.

The ISTS is the largest space-related international conference in Japan, and many domestic and overseas space experts get together to present their research achievements and exchange information to promote space activities further.

With JAXA's cooperation, many fun events are scheduled including a mini talk show & concert by Astronaut Takao Doi and a singer, Ayaka Hirahara, and a lecture on space food. Prior application is required for the mini talk show & concert, and participants will be decided on a first-come, first served basis.
Please come and join us.

* The main venue is the Tsukuba International Congress Center, and we will exhibit panels introducing the ISTS at the TKSC on July 11 and 12 (Sat & Sun) after the main venue is closed.

• July 5 (Sun): Mini talk show & concert "Invitation to Space via talk and music – having space and the sky in your mind" by Astronaut Doi and Ayaka Hirahara.
  (The first 800 applicants can attend the event. We are acceptingapplications until June 19. The event is in Japanese only.)
• July 7 (Tue): ISTS JAXA Special Lecture "Evolving space food"
  (The first 120 people who come to the lecture hall on the lecture day can participate. The lecture is in Japanese only.)

April 23, 2009 Updated

Open-house event at TKSC for Science Week

On April 18 (Sat,) an open-house event was held at the TKSC. The catchphrase for the event was "Feel the breath ("Ibuki" in Japanese) of space at Tsukuba." In addition to lectures by JAXA employees and classes for plastic bottle water rockets, we had a corner to introduce Astronaut's Wakata's daily life at the International Space Station, and a corner for each JAXA satellite including the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" launched on January 23, 2009. Some 18,011 people visited the event to enjoy various experiments and trial events. Thank you very much for coming.

February 19, 2009 Updated

Open-house Event at Tsukuba Space Center JFY 2009 Science Week

Date: April 18 (Sat,) 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. thru 4:00 p.m. (Reception opens from 10:00 a.m. thru 3:30 p.m.)

We will hold an open-house event at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) for the Japan Fiscal Year 2009 Science Week.

Under the catch phrase "Feel a touch of space in Tsukuba!," we will carry out various activities and report our achievements. The following is the current schedule of events.

** Lectures
- Space Medicine
What is "space medicine," which is very important for humans to live in space?
- Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT)
Introduction of the IBUKI, which was launched on Jan. 23, 2009.
The lecture time schedule is currently being coordinated. It will be announced here as soon as it is determined.

** Plastic bottle water rocket class
A class to make and launch a water rocket made of a plastic bottle is very popular at every open house event. We will, of course, hold a class again this year!
- We will prepare two courses: "Make and Launch" and "Launch Only."
- Eligible participants are students of the 9th grade and under. Children of the 3rd grade and under must be accompanied by their parents.


** Other activities
- Latest information of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" and the International Space Station (ISS).
- Petit Planetarium with moving images captured by the "KAGUYA."
- Acoustic experience of a rocket launch.
- Event to introduce and carry out experiments using technology that supports space development.

We will plan many other events in addition to the above. Please come to the TKSC and join us on April 18 (Sat.)

On the open-house event day, a free shuttle bus will be available between "Tsukuba Station" on the Tsukuba Express Line and the TKSC. There are some parking spaces at the TKSC, but, if they are full, we may restrict car access in the area. Please use public transportation.
Please note that the TKSC will be very crowded on the event day.


Please call 029-868-4281 or 5216 (or +81-29-868-4281 or 5216 from overseas)
TKSC Administration Department
10:00 a.m. thru 5:30 p.m. on weekdays

April 26, 2007 Updated

Special Open-house Event at TKSC

On April 21 (Sat), a special open-house event was held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) for Science and Technology Week. Under the catchphrase, "Find a door to space in Tsukuba," we had a record number of 9,970 visitors.

We were pleased to be able to provide many opportunities for people to feel and experience space through various events including a live relay lecture with Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide from Houston, Texas; a class for a plastic bottle rocket which is one of the most popular activities; introducing facilities which are usually inaccessible such as the Tracking and Control Building; and explaining about space technology.

In addition, a real H-II Launch Vehicle was displayed for the special open house event.

We would like to express our gratitude to all visitors.

For your information, the real H-II Launch Vehicle is now a permanent exhibit that can be seen at TKSC anytime.

March 20, 2007 Updated

JFY 2007 Science and Technology Week
TKSC Open-house Event

Date and time:
10:00 a.m. thru 4:00p.m (Reception desk will be closed at 3:30 p.m.) on April 21, 2007

An open-house event will be held at the Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) for the Japan Fiscal Year (JFY) 2007 Science and Technology Week.
Under the event catchphrase, "Find a door to space in Tsukuba," we will introduce our latest activities and projects in an easy-to-understand way. You can also visit some of space development facilities that are usually closed to the public. We hope that visitors feel more familiar with space after the taking part in the event.

For more information, please refer to the leaflet.
"TKSC Open House Event (PDF: 627kb Japanese Only)"

The plastic bottle rocket contest, one of the most popular events, will be held again this year.
* The contest mainly targets junior high school students. Children younger than the third grade of elementary school must be accompanied by their parents. Participation is on a first come, first served basis.

A popular JAXA astronaut is scheduled to give a lecture.
* Please note that the lecture may be cancelled due to a schedule conflict such as a training schedule. Participation is on a first come, first served basis.

Please be aware that the TKSC may be very crowded on the open-house day.

On the open-house day, free shuttle bus services will be available between Tsukuba Station on the Tsukuba Express Railway and the TKSC thanks to cooperation from Tsukuba Science Tour Office. Additional temporary parking spaces are also available in addition to the parking lots at TKSC. We recommend you go to the temporary parking lot because the parking lots at the TKSC are very limited. Free JAXA bus service will be operated between the temporary parking lot and the TKSC.

For inquiries about the TKSC open-house event, please call:
029-868-5216/4281 (+81-29-868-5216/4281 from overseas)
Office hours: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. / 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time