Tanegashima Space Center, Space center in Minamitane, Japan
Tanegashima Space Center is a space facility located on the southeastern coast of Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. The site contains launch complexes and technical facilities designed for rocket development and launches.
The facility was established in 1969 and serves as Japan's primary launching site for carrier rockets. The remote coastal location was chosen to allow safe rocket launch operations.
The Space Science and Technology Museum displays exhibits and interactive displays explaining Japan's space exploration work. Visitors can learn how the country developed its approach to reaching space.
The site is best reached by car or bus from Minamitane, with driving taking around 50 minutes along coastal roads. Access may be limited depending on rocket launch activities.
The center operates two specialized launch pads designed to support different types of carrier rockets. This separate infrastructure allows multiple missions to be conducted in quick succession.
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