Tanegashima Space Center Overview

The Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) is Japan's largest rocket-launch complex, covering approximately 9.7 square kilometers. Located on the southeast coast of Tanegashima Island, about 40 kilometers south of Kyushu, it was established in 1969 with the formation of the National Space Development Agency of Japan and is currently operated by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The center's primary activities include assembling, testing, launching, and tracking satellites, as well as conducting rocket engine firing tests. Key facilities at TNSC include the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, Vehicle Assembly Building, Second Spacecraft Test and Assembly Building, and Takesaki Range Control Center. These facilities are crucial for operations such as assembling launch vehicles, maintenance, inspections, final checks of satellites, and tracking launch vehicles after liftoff, making TNSC a pivotal location in Japan's space development activities.