Masuda Tracking and Communications Station (Kagoshima Pref.)

The Masuda Tracking and Communications Station was established in 1974 on Tanegashima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, and was a facility of the former National Space Development Agency of Japan at that time. Radio waves from in-flight satellites are received and monitored to ensure they are in the correct position and posture, (satellite tracking and control), and that all the electronics are functioning correctly. This data is transmitted directly to the Tsukuba Space Center.
The Station transmits instructions (commands) to satellites as needed as well as maintaining and controlling them. Apart from the satellite tracking and controls, they also have the responsibility to track rockets using precision radar. They receive data telemetry from rockets to monitor rocket flights in progress.

Opening Hours: From 10:00 to 17:00
Closed On: Open daily (may be closed temporarily for business and other reasons)
Reservation:
  • Free tour
    Less than 9 persons: Reservations not required
    10 or more people: Reservations required in advance (6 months to 10 days prior to the desired date of visit)
Address: 1887-1, Masuda, Nakatane-cho, Kumage-gun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Tel: 0997-27-1990
FAX: 0997-24-2000
見学のお申し込み受付時間: Weekdays from 9:30 to 12:15 and 13:00 to 17:45
Applications to visit are accepted on: Free Parking Lot: Capacity for about 40 standard-sized cars, one large-sized bus and one car for the handicapped
Barrier-free for wheelchairs and baby buggies
Wheelchairs (max. of 2) can be provided free of charge
Companion Animals: Only Guide Dogs or Service Dogs are accepted.