Katsuura Tracking and Communications Station

JAXA’s Katsuura Tracking and Communications Station in Chiba, established in 1968, tracks and controls satellites: it receives telemetry, checks spacecraft location, altitude and instrument functions, and sends commands through its 20-, 11- and 10-metre parabolic antennas. Its free public exhibition includes retired tracking-and-control equipment, satellite models used in ground testing, mission videos and a Hayabusa mission simulation game. JAXA’s current visitor page lists 10:00–17:00 opening, closure for December 29–January 3 and facility inspection days, and free visits; individuals and groups of up to nine may visit without reservation, while groups of 10 or more and guided visits require advance booking (guided visits are weekdays only). Free parking serves about 10 cars and one medium bus; wheelchairs and strollers can enter the exhibition hall, with two loan wheelchairs available. Food is not permitted inside, and only guide or service dogs may enter. Visitor address: 1-14 Hanatateyama, Haga, Katsuura-shi, Chiba 299-5213, Japan.