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Launch site · Japan

Uchinoura Space Center

JAXA's site for Epsilon rockets and scientific sounding rockets, on the Osumi peninsula of Kagoshima.

Operator JAXA

Global launch calendar, November 2026 Open map

Upcoming launches

Times: local launch-site time. Launch dates move often; NET means no earlier than.

  • NET
    2026
    JV-LOTUSat-1 - Epsilon S - JAXA TBD
    time to be confirmed · Mu Center
    Date changed 2 times — latest: “Moved back to 2025 TBD due to another test firing failure for qualification of the Epsilon-S 2nd stage motor.”
  • NET
    Nov
    2028
    SOLAR-C - Epsilon S - JAXA TBD
    time to be confirmed · Mu Center
    Date changed 1 time — latest: “Adding launch NET November 2028”

Where to watch a launch

  • IHI Space Port Uchinoura (the former Miyabaru viewing area) is the only public site that sees the Epsilon pad, about 2.8 km away; toilets and Wi-Fi. kankou-kimotsuki.net
  • For Epsilon launches its entry is usually a paid advance booking that Kimotsuki Town announces once the date is set; for sounding rockets it has opened on launch morning, first come, first served. kankou-kimotsuki.net
  • Uchinoura Fishing Port, about 3 km from the pad, and Seaside Park KISIRA, about 8 km, need no booking; medium and large buses cannot enter either. kankou-kimotsuki.net
  • Tents and umbrellas are not allowed at IHI Space Port Uchinoura on launch day. kankou-kimotsuki.net
  • The space center and its museum, open free 8:30–16:30 on other days, are closed on launch days. global.jaxa.jp
  • National Route 448 is partly closed for about 10 minutes before and after a launch, and roads to a viewing site close once it is full. kankou-kimotsuki.net

Getting there

  • About 2 hours by car from Kagoshima Airport or JR Kagoshima-Chuo Station, about 50 minutes from JR Shibushi Station. gltjp.com
  • There is no public transport to the space center: come by car. global.jaxa.jp

On the day

  • JAXA runs a special site for each launch, with the countdown, updates and the live broadcast. fanfun.jaxa.jp
  • Dates move: Epsilon 6 went from 7 to 12 October 2022, a sounding rocket from 13 to 15 July 2025. kimotsuki-town.jp

Hotels near Uchinoura Space Center

  • Takayama Yabusame-kan in Kimotsuki is a lodge used by launch visitors, with the hot spring next door. 4travel.jp

Flights to Kagoshima

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