Tanegashima Space Centre
ActiveNo launches are currently scheduled from Tanegashima Space Centre in the published manifest, which was last confirmed on 9 August 2026. Dates may have moved since.
Tanegashima Space Centre is Japan's primary orbital launch facility, described by NASA as one of the most beautiful launch sites in the world. Located on a subtropical island. H-IIA has a 98% success rate over 40+ flights.
Site history
Orbital mechanics from 30.4003°N
A launch site's latitude determines which orbits are achievable and at what fuel cost. Tanegashima at 30.4003°N sets the following constraints:
Satellite train visibility from Tanegashima
From 30.4003°N, Tanegashima can reach 4 Starlink inclination shells: 43°, 53°, 70°, 97.6° SSO (polar).
Trains launched to higher inclinations are visible from more of the world. A 97° SSO train from Tanegashima would be visible at virtually every latitude; a 53° train is visible from latitudes up to ±50° (primarily) — mostly tropical and subtropical regions. In the hours after launch — before satellites raise their orbits — a tight train of 20–60 bright dots crosses the sky roughly every 90 minutes. Use OrbitalNodes' Starlink tracker for exact train pass times.
Tanegashima: Japan's main spaceport
Japan's largest launch site flies the H-IIA and new H3 rockets and sent cargo craft to the ISS, as well as missions like the Akatsuki Venus orbiter and the joint BepiColombo mission to Mercury.
Set on a southern island coast and firing out over the Pacific, it is often described as one of the most beautiful launch sites in the world.
Tanegashima — Launch Site FAQ
Where is Tanegashima and who operates it?
Tanegashima Space Centre is located at 30.4003°N, 130.9750°E in Kagoshima, Japan. It is owned and operated by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The site has conducted approximately 90 orbital launches since its first in 1975.
What rockets launch from Tanegashima?
Current vehicles operating from Tanegashima Space Centre include H-IIA, H-IIB (retired), H3. Primary customers are JAXA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, launching ISS resupply (HTV), Earth observation, commercial GTO.
What orbits can Tanegashima reach?
At 30.4003°N, Tanegashima's minimum achievable inclination is 30.4° (due-east launch). The ISS at 51.6° is reachable with a dogleg manoeuvre. The site can reach orbits between roughly 30° and 98° inclination.
Can I watch launches from Tanegashima?
Yes — Tanegashima Space Centre hosts a moderate cadence of approximately 5 orbital launches per year. Check the operator's website for public viewing arrangements and launch windows.
What satellites can I see that were launched from Tanegashima?
Satellites regularly launched from Tanegashima include ISS resupply (HTV), Earth observation, commercial GTO. The ISS was supplied or crew-launched from sites at similar latitudes. Use OrbitalNodes to track any visible satellite in real time.
Why was Tanegashima built at this latitude?
Tanegashima at 30.4003°N was positioned to access the full range of low-Earth orbits including the ISS corridor. The site has been operational since 1975.
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