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It has been over half a century since the first manned space flight was achieved by Vostok 1 of former USSR in 1961. The aero-space development was dominated by USA and USSR back then, though many other countries have succeeded launch of satellites or space probes. In Japan, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency exercises rocket-launch a few times a year to transit satellites and space probes into orbit, and open it to the public. There are only two among many other JAXA centers in Japan. Each rocket-launch by JAXA is an unmissable event. So, when and where does it take place
About JAXA
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan’s national institution which undertakes the entire aero-space research and development of the country. It was launched in 2003 by merging three former aerospace institutions. Its mission covers a broad range of areas such as development of trial of satellites, rockets and aero technology, monitoring global environment and exercise of developed technologies. There are two centers of JAXA that launch rockets: Tanegashima Space Center and Uchinoura Space Center. The core mission of Tanegashima Space Center is to launch artificial satellites by using a large-scaled H-IIA rocket, while Uchinoura Space Center mainly launches small-sized M-V rockets encapsulating satellite or space probe. Many of JAXA’s space centers all over Japan are open to the public to let visitors learn about Japan’s aerospace research and development. At Tanegashima and Uchinoura, visitors can watch launch of a rocket.
First of all, get rocket launch schedule
Once next rocket-launch has been scheduled, date and time and other information about the launch will be posted in Press Release of JAXA home page. Launch schedule is released roughly 1-2 month prior. It is recommended to check JAXA website on regular basis. Launch schedule is roughly reported on newspapers and broadcasted on TV, but getting precise date and time is crucial. As at May 2017, the latest schedule will be 1st June 2017; launch of H-IIA encapsulating Michibiki No.2 at Tanegashima Space Center.
Launch Schedule of H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 34 Encapsulating MICHIBIKI No. 2
Access to JAXA space centers
A rocket is launched at the rocket-launch complex in each space center, however, no entry is allowed within a radius of 3km on the launch day. Therefore, spectators have to view a launch of rocket from observation points outside of a 3km radius from the space center. There is no restrictions on choice of a view point as long as spectators keep the distance. But these observation points introduced on JAXA website have the best views and are easier to know the moment of launch by listening to countdown from speakers.
Tanegashima Space Center
Address: Mazu, Kukinaga, Minamitane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima
Air: 50 minutes by car from Tanegashima Airport to the space center
Ferry: 3 hours 30 minutes from Kagoshima to Nishino-omote Port of Tanegashima
Jetfoil: 1 hour 40 minutes from Kagoshima to Nishino-omote Port of Tanegashima
Ferry/Jetfoil: 90 minutes by car, or 2 hours by bus from Nishino-omote Port to the space center
Uchinoura Space Center
Address: 1791-13 Minamikata, Kimotsuki-cho, Kimotsuki-gun, Kagoshima
Air: 1 hour 40 minutes by limousine from Kagoshima Airport to Kanoya. 45 minnutes by taxi from Kanoya to the space center
Car: 1 hour 50 minutes from Kyushu Expressway “Mizobe Kagoshima Airport” IC to the space center via Osumi Jukan Road “Kasanohara” IC
Tips to watch rocket-launch
- The rocket-launch is largely dependent upon the weather and it is quite common the schedule is postponed due to bad weather. It is a good idea to allow a few extra days in your travel schedule if you want to see it for sure.
- Observation of rocket-launch is extremely popular and huge congestion is expected on the day. Allow plenty of time before you arrive at an observation point. Kimotsuki-cho, where Uchinoura Space Center is located, once experienced a serious traffic paralysis when visitors overflowed into this small township. Some of observation points can be entered by spectators who have tickets distributed by lot.
- A few days around the launch date, transports to the space center or observation points, and accommodations around the space center become extremely busy. Especially in Tanegashima, cars are basic transport method and early booking is essential if you want to rent a car or use ferry.
- There are toilets in each observation point but there are no place to buy any food or drink. Make sure to bring something to eat or drink on the day as it is more than likely that you stay there for long.
- Although Kagoshima prefecture is located in a mild-climate region, the temperature drops during winter time, especially night time, it is recommended to bring warm outfits.
Three, two, one, zero
Same as in any other countries, watching a rocket-launch is very popular in Japan. Many of us see the picture of it on TV but there are not so many who actually witness it by our own eyes. It is often misunderstood that a rocket keeps moving straight up, but it looks as if it is falling over the sea horizon. This is because a rocket is launched to move in orbit around the earth, and not because of a launch failure. It is such a spectacle view that we can witness the moment of travel to the space. It will definitely be the greatest and unforgettable view in your entire life.
