Q. Can the general public go and observe the TKSC?
Flight model of H-II launch vehicle
Space Dome
Yes. Immediately after passing through the main gate of the TKSC, you’ll see a flight model of Japan’s first large-scale rocket, the H-II, which was first launched in 1994. When you stand in front of it, you will be amazed by the dynamism of this 50-meter rocket. The Space Dome and the Planet Cube are open to the public almost every day, except for both the beginning and the end of a year.
The Space Dome is a new exhibition hall that opened last year. You can see test models of satellites such as the Advanced Land Observing Satellite DAICHI, the Engineering Test Satellite VIII (KIKU No.8), the lunar explorer KAGUYA, and the cargo transporter KOUNOTORI. These test models were used for ground tests prior to launch, and are almost the same as the real ones. There is also a full-scale model of the Japanese Experiment Module KIBO, as well as real rocket engines and a model of the asteroid explorer HAYABUSA.
When you visit the Space Dome, you can see what JAXA does, and also how JAXA’s work contributes to daily life -i.e. spin-off technologies that have migrated from the space program to products for the general public. These include light and thin diamond-cut beverage cans, thermal insulation paint for the exterior walls of buildings, etc.
The Planet Cube, which opened last April, is an indoor space adjacent to the Space Dome, used for exhibitions on timely topics and events. The latest exhibition commemorated the 50th anniversary of the first human space flight, by the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, and also featured astronaut Satoshi Furukawa. Russian spacesuits and a full-scale model of a Soyuz return capsule were on display too, until July 18. The Space Dome has large-scale exhibits; in the Planet Cube, we can show many videos and photographs. Starting Thursday, July 21, there is a workshop for children to work on research and craft making on space themes, and a display of images of the Earth taken by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite DAICHI.
Related Link: Space Dome Floor Guide
Q. What about guided tours?
KIBO flight control room
The TKSC offers guided tours of its facilities. You can see areas where people are actually working on space development. There are three tours you can take: the Astronauts Tour and the Space Station Tour are offered on weekdays, and the Launch Vehicle Tour on weekends. These all require advance booking. On the Astronauts Tour, you will see the facility used for astronauts’ basic training and space meals, for example. On the Space Station Tour, you can observe the Flight Control Room of the Japanese Experiment Module KIBO, and see the flight control of KIBO in real time. The Launch Vehicle Tour, which is held only on weekends, offers you an acoustic experience of a rocket launch. It is recommended for children, too.
Related Link: Tsukuba Space Center Guided Tours
Q. How many visitors do you have each year?
Planet Cube
In 2010, we had about 244,000 visitors, a huge increase from the 178,000 we had in 2009. This is because we opened the Space Dome, and because of hot topics such as the achievements of Japanese astronauts, and the return of the asteroid explorer HAYABUSA. Many people have visited so far this year, too. As space is becoming more and more familiar in daily life, with the successes of weather satellites and communications and broadcast satellites, for example, it seems to me that many people come by casually, with the expectation that there may be something interesting to see at the TKSC.
To welcome such a large number of visitors, we try to have creative exhibits. Our priority is to make it easier for people to understand our work. We want people of all generations to have a good time at the TKSC so, for example, in the Planet Cube we plan events even children can enjoy. We plan to hold three to five events with different themes every year, so that repeat visitors can have a new experience every time they come back.
Q. Could you tell us about the open-house event?
Water rocket class 
Astronaut Satoshi Furukawa gives a lecture in Houston
Open-house event are held twice a year, in spring and fall. We hold tours of facilities that are normally closed to the public, and host special events. The special exhibitions are designed and organized by each department of the TKSC, and the employees act as tour guides and event staff. Visitors meet JAXA staff face to face, and we hope that they have fun learning about what we do here. JAXA staff also enjoy these events, because this is a rare opportunity to interact with the general public.
These open-house events also include hands-on programs. These include the GPS Treasure Hunt - where you look for treasure hidden on the TKSC site using a GPS satellite; the Vibration Toy Corner, which uses the vibration test facility and simulates a launch environment; and the World of -196°C - where you freeze food instantly using liquid nitrogen, which is used as a coolant in environmental test, and then taste the frozen treats. Many children have participated and enjoyed these events.
There is also a lecture series called Science Café. Last year, JAXA staff explained the structure and importance of space communications, showing images of the bottom of the ocean taken by the Wideband Internetworking Engineering Test and Demonstration Satellite KIZUNA.
Unfortunately, this year’s spring special exhibition had to be cancelled because the TKSC suffered not a little damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake, but we plan to go ahead with the fall exhibition.
Q. What are the must-see elements of the special exhibitions? I think that everything is very enjoyable. In particular, you will find R&D exhibits interesting because they always provide surprises. I hope that many people will visit the special exhibitions, and find things that they didn’t know about JAXA’s operations.
