Tsukuba Space Center
Leading space development in JapanThe Tsukuba Space Center was built in 1972 as part of Tsukuba
Science City. It covers about 530,000 square meters, and is acomprehensive office with the latest test facilities and an environment
full of greenery suited to a “Science City.”
The Center undertakes the following activities promoted by JAXA.

・ Development and operation of satellites that act as our eyes inspace, and analysis of observed data and images from them.
・ Utilization of the space environment with the JapaneseExperiment Module "Kibo" on the ISS, and training astronauts
and promoting their activities.
・ Development of launch vehicles and space transportation
systems, and advancing technical research for establishingtechnological foundations.
Through the above activities, the center plays a core role in Japan’s
space development.

Exhibition Hall “Space Dome”“Space Dome” is an exhibition hall where you can feel and experiencegenuine space development by looking at test models of various
satellites, rocket engines used in firing tests, and a full-scale model of
the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo."

Tsukuba
Space Center

Uncovering new values
For people, nations
and the Earth
The environment surrounding the use andDream Port

development of space is now dramatically changing.

Here, you are greeted by a beautiful 1:1,000,000 scale model of the Earth.

Utilization for Earth and Environment Observation

JAXA is expected to play a far greater role, not only in

Introducing the purpose and result of each project mainly through the display of test
model satellites (nearly identical to the actual satellite).

pioneering the frontiers of space science, but also inSatellites Opening up the Futurecontributing to national security, disaster prevention,

Introducing recently launched satellites, and those attracting lots of attention.

Human Space Activities / Space Environment Utilizationand industrial development.

Introducing space environment utilization mainly through the display of a full-scalemodel of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" and a test model of the H-II Transfer
Vehicle (HTV) "KOUNOTORI" a cargo transporter to the ISS.

The agency has committed to enhancing its existing

Space Transportation Systems

efforts centering on technology development and tests

Space Science and Solar System Exploration

collaborating with private companies and universities.

You can enjoy a display of the actual LE-7A and LE-5 engines used in firing tests, andlearn the history of Japanese launch vehicles through 1:20 scale models.

for broadening the range of the aerospace industry byAn introduction to space science and lunar and planetary missions through a test
model of "KAGUYA" (SELENE) and "HAYABUSA" (MUSES-C).

Our mission is to respond to ever-changing social needs

・Open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.（“Space Dome” opens from 9:30）
・Admission is free of charge.
・Closed on Mondays (irregular), New Yearsʼ holidays, and facility maintenance date.

with technologies to open up a new era.

Guided tour information

Guided tour

Activities of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

You can look around part of Japan’s largest space development center with a tour guide.
Reservation required.
Tour fee is *500 yen (tax included) per person excluding high school students (including students of specialty schools)
Those who are under 18 years old are free of admission. (High school students are required to show theirschool ID cards.)
Tour office Tel: +81-29-868-2023 (from overseas, or 029-868-2023 in Japan)

Location
AccessBy busTake the highway bus from Tokyo Station(Yaesu South Exit) bound for the Tsukuba
Center.
Get off at Namiki 1-Chome and walk 1 minute.

By taxi

Namiki1TsukubaSpace CenterTsukuba Chuo ICTuskuba
TSUKUBAJCTExpress Line

To MitoSakuraTsuchiura IC TsuchiuraoriGa
Nis kue
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Tsuchiura IC

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Tsukubae

1. Take the Joban Expressway.
Exit at the Sakura Tsuchiura Interchange.
The center is about a 7-minute drive fromthe interchange. (3.5 km)
2. Take National Route 6.
Exit at the Gakuen Higashi Odori line
entrance, 10-minute drive to the center(5 km).
3. Take the Ken-O Road Exit at the TsukubaChuo Interchange.
The center is about a 12-minute drive fromthe interchange via Science Odori/ National
Route 19. (3.5 km)

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A flight model of the H-II Launch Vehicle, which is about 50 metersin length, is exhibited at the Rocket Plaza near the center’s maingate. The H-II is a 100 percent domestically manufactured launchvehicle that was developed over roughly 10 years, and, at the time
it was completed, had world-class launch capability andperformance. Japan established its independent technology forlarge-scale launch vehicles through developing and launching H-IIs.
The H-II has been upgraded to become its successors H-IIA and
H-IIB with even higher capability and performance.

Namiki 1-chome(Highway Bus)

GM akuOd inamen
ori iReal H-II Launch Vehicle display

1. Take the JR Joban Line to Arakawaoki
Station.
Take the Kantetsu Bus going to Tsukuba
Daigaku Chuo (Tsukuba University Chuo).
Get off at Busshitsu Kenkyujo stop andwalk 1 minute.
2. Take the Tsukuba Express Line to Tsukuba
Station Take the Kantetsu Bus toArakawaoki Station.
Get off at Busshitsu Kenkyujo stop and walk
1 minute.

GakuenHigashi
Odori Lineentrance

ArakawaokiNa

By trainMoriyaMisato JCT
Ikebukuro
Ueno

Enhancing rocket technology
nurtured in Japan to maintain andfurther improve technologicalfoundations while reducing costs tocontribute to space development.

Researchon spacescience

Exploring the mysteries of the origin andevolution of space and the beginningof life. Paving the way for the future ofmankind through the results of ourexperiments and advanced engineeringresearch in the space environment.

SpaceEnvironment
Utilization

Contributing to an internationalsociety by safely and steadily operating
the Japanese Experiment Module"Kibo" and the H-II Transfer Vehicle(HTV) "KOUNOTORI" a cargotransporter to the ISS.

Akihabara

Research on
AeronauticalTechnology

Contributing to the growth ofJapan’s aviation industry and asafer society by promoting researchand development mainly on the“environment” and “safety.”

Research
Relating toFundamentalTechnology

Contributing to strengthening Japan’s
industrial competitiveness byimproving advanced and fundamental
technologies in the aerospace field.

TokyoTsukuba Space Center

2-1-1 Sengen, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-8505, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)29-868-5000 Fax: +81-(0)29-868-5988
http://global.jaxa.jp/about/centers/tksc/

Public Affairs Department

Ochanomizu Sola City, 4-6 Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 101-8008, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)3-5289-3650 Fax: +81-(0)3-3258-5051

http://global.jaxa.jp/Development andOperation
Transport
Systems Linking
Ground and Space

TorideShinmatsudo

20 minutes from Tsuchiura Station.
15 minutes from Arakawaoki Station.
10 minutes from Tsukuba Station.

JAXA Website

Achieve a more prosperous society
by observing the Earth's environment,
monitoring disasters, and developing
communications and positioning
technologies.

Yatabe ICTokyo Gaikan
ExpresswayShinjuku

SpaceUtilization
withSatellites

Recycling Suitability
This printed material is recycable
into printing papers.

JSF180310T

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Tsukuba Space Center Organization

The Tsukuba Space Center consists of three directorates – the SpaceTechnology Directorate I, the Human Spaceflight Technology Directorate, and the Research and Development Directorate. The TsukubaSpace Center, the core office of JAXA, is a place for various activitiesincluding research, development, and testing in the cutting-edge fieldsof space development.

Exposed Section Mission
Application Test Building

Laser-Based Communication
Experiment Test Building
Spacecraft Integration
and Test Building

Electronic Equipment
Test Building
Tracking andControl Building
Publicrelations
Computer Center
Publicrelations

Planet CubeSpace DomeInformation
Building

Information

Satellite
Test Building

8-Meter-Diameter
Chamber Building

6-Meter-Diameter
Radiometer Space

Research andDevelopment Building

Guidance andControl Test Building

The Tsukuba Space Center plays a multifaceted role in thinking about the future of space
Development and utilization of satellites
Satellites such as communications and broadcasting satellites, meteorologicalsatellites, and Earth observation satellites, are essential in our lives. We develop
various types of satellites aimed at acquiring basic satellite technology, improving
Earth observation technology, and achieving advanced Earth communications
technologies in order to meet more diversified and sophisticated demands.
Using a space application system mainly based on satellites, we are achieving
more prosperous lives through Earth environment observations, disastermonitoring, and the development of technologies for communications,broadcasting and positioning.
Global Change Observation Mission-Climate「SHIKISAI」(GCOM-C):
Observe Earth’s rich array of colors from space"SHIKISAI" can observe 19 wavelengths (colors),
and is equipped with unique features such aspolarization and multi-direction, and near UV
observation functions.
"SHIKISAI" is capable of observing the whole Earthwith a range of over 1,000 km every about two days
at a high resolution of 250 m. Hence the satellite isexpected to acquire important data related to ourliving environment including data on clouds,
aerosols and vegetation essential for improving
the accuracy of global warming predictions, aswell as data for forecasting fishery grounds, andunderstanding the movement of yellow sand andred tide occurrences.

Space Station
Test Building

Space Experiment
Laboratory

Small-sized Satellite
Test Building
Space Station
Operation Facility
Structural Test Building
Library
Cafeteria andRecreation Rooms
Radio Test
Weightless Environment
Building
Test Building
AstronautTraining Facility
International SpaceTechnology Exchange House

Main Gate

Spacecraft Magnetic
Test Site (Control Room)Headquarters Building

The Super Low Altitude Test Satellite「TSUBAME」(SLATS): Open a new orbit

Spacecraft Magnetic Test Site

In a very low-altitude orbit that is lower than 300 km(“super low orbit”), a satellite faces difficulties inkeeping its orbit for a long-term period due to large airresistance.
"TSUBAME" is aiming to achieve a prolonged life in asuper low orbit by utilizing its high-efficiency ion engine
to conduct technologic demonstrations for future
development and application of satellites in this orbit.

First step to make space a place where everybody can visit
International Space Station / "Kibo" operation and utilizationThe International Space Station (ISS) is the largest manned space facility in thehistory of mankind built at an altitude of approx. 400 km through the international
cooperation of 15 countries. In the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" of theISS, which was developed by Japan, a variety of experiments and technicaldemonstrations are conducted using the unique space environment such as
microgravity and space radiation. We also provide fundamental support for ISS
missions through safe and steady operations of our cargo transporter, the H-IITransfer Vehicle (HTV) "KOUNOTORI" with its consecutive successful transportmissions. "KOUNOTORI", independently developed by Japan, can transport up
to six tons of cargo, the largest transportation capacity in the world, including
water, food, test samples and experiment instruments that are imperative for theISS. Operation of the "Kibo", experiment operations, and operation and control ofthe "KONOTORI" are performed at the Tsukuba space Center.

Space Environment Utilization with unlimited potential
The "Kibo" consists of two experiment facilities, the Pressurized Module (PM)inside the "Kibo" and the Exposed Facility (EF) to space, to conduct experiments
mainly for life science and space medicine and to observe space.
Some experiments there are attracting attention from overseas, such as thehigh-quality protein crystal growth experiment as well as small satellite
deployment and simplified exposed experiments conducted by taking advantageof the "Kibo"’s unique function of being equipped with both an airlock and arobotic arm so that an instrument can be easily moved inside and outside of the"Kibo". The use of the "Kibo" by overseas users is now increasing.

R&D for new technologies being prepared for the future
JAXA performs research on a unit by unit basis that is specialized in spacetransportation technology namely: a unit for electric technology including orbit
navigation / guidance / control, communications, power generation and avionics;
a unit for mechanical technology including thermal issues, structure / mechanism,fluid / aerodynamics, satellite propulsion, and manned space environment
control; and a unit for software technology including programming, mathematicalsimulation, and information engineering. In addition, steady progress is being
made on research on the global issue of space debris and the practical use of aspace solar power generation system for the future.

Tests and verification to ensure higher reliability in space
Various ground experiments must be conducted to develop highly reliable
spacecraft that can be operated precisely to meet goals in the harsh spaceenvironment. Vibrations and acceleration at the time of rocket launch and thevacuum conditions and temperatures of space are simulated at the TsukubaSpace Center to test spacecraft functions and performance.
Furthermore, research and development of test methods and assessment andverification methods are carried out based on technology accumulated throughprevious tests to contribute to the development of new satellites and launchvehicles.

Core station for tracking and control (network) for satellites“Tracking and control” means comprehensive data communications andmonitoring and controlling operations with a satellite including confirming its
injection into its orbit after being launched and separated from its launch vehicle,
and data transmission and reception. Multiple satellites are tracked and controlledfrom the Tsukuba Space Center. In addition, the Tsukuba Space Center is a corestation of domestic and overseas “ground stations” by connecting them via
communication networks to construct the tracking and control network. It gathers
data received by ground stations (tracking and communication stations) to ensure
efficient tracking and control for various satellites.
E-ZoneS-ZoneC-ZoneE-1 Information

S-1 Satellite Test Building

C-1 Headquarters Building

relations /E-2 PublicInformation Building

S-3 6-Meter-Diameter
Radiometer Space

C-2 Recreation Rooms

E-3 Planet Cube

S-4 8-Meter-Diameter
Chamber Building

C-3 Structural Test Building

Space Domeand Control
S-5 Guidance
Test Building

C-4 Test Building

E-4 Computer CenterandS-6 Research
Development Building

C-5 Facilityand Control
E-5 Tracking
Building

Equipment
S-7 Electronic
Test Building

C-6 Test Building

Section Mission
S-8 Exposed
Application Test Building

C-7 Technology Exchange House

W-ZoneLaser-Based Communication

Katsuura Tracking &Communications
Station(Chiba Pref.)（Overseas mobilestations

Weightless Environment

Sagamihara SpaceOperations Center(SSOC)

Tracking & Control
Building (at theTsukuba SpaceCenter)

Radio Test Facility(Radio Test Building)

Numerical simulations of rocket
engine external flows

13 m φ Space Chamber(Spacecraft Integration and Test Building)

Large Scale Vibration Test Facility(Spacecraft Integration and Test Building)

Small satellite deployed from the "Kibo"）

Kiruna, Maspalomas,Santiago, Mingenew

High quality protein crystal growth in space

Astronaut Training

This facility is for conducting radio system tests
on satellites and tests on onboard antennae andradio wave sensors in rockets and satellites, tomeasure their radio wave properties.

Aiming to acquire the world top-level numericalsimulation technology, JAXA performs its R&D
in cooperation with domestic and overseasorganizations.

Left: Crystal grown during the ground verification
Right: Crystals grown in the "Kibo" (Image througha microscope)

Earth ObservationCenter (EOC)(Images provided by Iwate Medical University / JAXA)International SpaceSpacecraft Magnetic

C-8 Test Site (Control Room)Space Station

Integration
S-10 Spacecraftand Test Building

C-9 Test Site

Station Test
W-4 SpaceBuilding

Masuda Tracking &Communications
Station(Kagoshima Pref.)Small-sized Satellite

S-9 Experiment Test Building

Experiment
W-3 Space
Laboratory

Okinawa Tracking &Communications
Uchinoura
StationSpace Center(Kagoshima Pref.) (Okinawa Pref.)

100 Ah Lithium- ion Battery

CubeSat "EGG" of University of Tokyo was deployedfrom the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD)

Cafeteria andW-1 Radio Test Building
W-2 Operation Facility

Usuda DeepSpace Center(Nagano Pref.)Japanese Experiment Module"Kibo"Space-qualified MPU

Spacecraft Magnetic

C-10 Library

Overseas cooperation organizations

Tracking and control network

Domestic cooperation organizations

A tracking and control network is established with the Tracking and Control Building at the TsukubaSpace Center as a central station, and is connected to domestic stations of Katuura, Masuda, andOkinawa, and space stations in Usuda and Uchinoura. The network is also linked to overseas mobilestations of Kiruna, Maspalomas, Santiago, and Mingenew, and collaborates with overseas anddomestic cooperation organizations. Through the tracking network widely developed on the Earth,
we have achieved efficient tracking and control by having more communication opportunities withvarious satellites in space.

Medaka Osteoclast Experiment

Raising Medaka (killifish) in space (above) tostudy the process of a decrease in the volumeof bone is expected to contribute to developinga remedy for osteoporosis.
In the experiment, Medaka’s osteoblasts werecolored in red, and osteoclasts were in green(below) so that bone metabolism can be analyzed.
(Image (below) provided by Prof. Akira Kudo, Tokyo Institute of Technology)"Kibo" Mission Control RoomOperation of the "Kibo" is performed 24 hours aday, 365 days a year by JAXA's flight control
team on a three-shift a day basis.

This chamber is for checking the environment
resistance of satellites in a space vacuum andthermal environment.

This facility is for conducting vibration tests oneach system of a satellite or a launch vehicle, oron parts of the system.