Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station (Okinawa Pref.)

The Okinawa Tracking and Communications Station began as the “Okinawa Radio Tracking Station” of the Former Space Development Promotion Headquarters in Science and Technology Agency in February 1968. It was incorporated into the former National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) as one of their facilities when the Agency was established.

The main functions of this Station are tracking and control of satellites. Radio waves from in-flight satellites are received and monitored to ensure they are in the correct position and posture, and that all the electronics are functioning correctly. Commands are transmitted to satellites as required. This Station plays an invaluable role maintaining and controlling satellites.

The Okinawa Tracking and Communication Station parabolic antenna facility has two sets of tracking and control stations with parabolic antennas. They have a diameter of 18 meters and 10 meters respectively.

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: 1712, Kaneyoshihara, Aza Afuso, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture
Tel: 098-967-8211
FAX: 098-983-3001
Applications to visit are accepted on: Weekdays from 9:30 to 12:15 and 13:00 to 17:45
Facility Details: Free Parking Lot: Capacity for about 10 standard-sized cars and one medium-sized bus
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.