The permanent exhibition hall which can be freely toured and the museum shop
JAXA（Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency）is an organization bringing together Japan’s researchers in space development. Its Tsukuba Space Center has been a base for the country’s space development work since its inception in 1972. General entry is possible and visitors can experience cutting-edge technology up close. On entering the facility, the first thing that can be seen at Rocket Plaza is the 50-meter H-II rocket. The purely domestically-made rocket which took about 10 years to develop has a size which is eye-opening. The Space Dome which is the permanent display area is divided into 5 areas in which actual satellites, genuine rocket engines and a life-size model of the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” (Hope) can be seen up close. There is also an observation tour of about 25 minutes given 5 times a day which doesn’t require any reservations. Next to the Space Dome, there is Planet Cube. There are special exhibitions under themes that change every season and a museum shop. Products related to space such as space food and stationery are popular.
Get deep knowledge about space through a tour of the facility and special exhibitions
The popular facility tour requires advance reservations. The 3 courses that have been operating up to now will be made into 1 course from October 2015 which will require admission (70 min. duration). The “Kibo” operations control room and the basic training facilities for astronauts are seen here. Also once a year, there is a special exhibition in which otherwise inaccessible buildings can be entered so that visitors can get an even deeper knowledge about space.