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UCHINOURA SPACE
CENTER

Introducing the launch site

With the launch of a wide range of orbital inclinations, Uchinoura Space Center, which Japan is proud of, has long supported space development.

The launch of the Epsilon will take place at the Uchinoura Space Center in Kimotsuki-cho, Kimotsuki-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture, which is close to the equator in Japan. This is a rare launch facility in the world, where various buildings are functionally arranged on a plateau created by carving the hillside. The Uchinoura Space Center is available for the launches of several orbital inclinations from 30 to 98 degrees, it can meet a wide range of your needs. Since its establishment in 1962, it is a major center of space development technology with a track record of launching more than 400 rockets, more than 30 spacecrafts.

ACCESS

1791-13 Minamikata, Kimotsuki-cho,
Kimotsuki-gun, Kagoshima-ken,
893-1402 Japan Google Map

History of Uchinoura Space Center

Established in 1962 as Kagoshima Space Center, University of Tokyo. Since then, Japan’s/Asia’s first satellite “Ohsumi” and asteroid explorer “Hayabusa” have been launched from here, and all Epsilons have been handed over to space, opening up and pioneering Japan’s space development.

*Japanese Only

MAIN

FACILITIES

Epsilon Control Center (ECC)

ECC is a central facility that controls the Epsilon launch operation and onboarded spacecrafts. It is also open for the customer to control the spacecraft. In the facility, which has been compactly organized by devising the layout, it contributes to the success of the launch by analyzing the launch site, sea monitoring, meteorological observation, among other things in real time.

*Japanese Only

Epsilon Support Center (ESC)

ESC is a building where support staff work. The office is also prepared for customers. Adopting a universal design, it boasts a beautiful and functional interior space. Introducing the geothermal air conditioning system for cooling/heating and the daylighting system for nature light taking, the building is also considered the natural environment.

*Japanese Only

M (Mu) Center

A facility that inherits its name from the M series launch vehicles. Various facilities for physical launch works, such as the launcher of the Epsilon, the launch vehicle assembly room, and the clean room for spacecraft adjustment work, are gathered together.

*Japanese Only

GOOD

ACCESS

“KIMOTSUKI”

Kimotsuki, with good access to both the airport and space

Kimotsuki, located on the Ohsumi Peninsula, the southernmost tip of the mainland of Kyushu island, is about two hours from Kagoshima Airport, but is also the closest to the equator within Japanese mainland, which is suitable for launching rockets, except for remote islands. Kimotsuki is also known as a production area for Kuroge-Wagyu (beef of Japanese black cattle) and Japanese eel. You can also enjoy cruising in Uchinoura Bay, which makes it an attractive resort area.

Kimotsuki Town Tourism Association official website