To deliver satellites into space, it is essential to successfully carry out the critical mission of launching a rocket . NEC's Launch Site & Launch Pad Group, part of the Space & Intelligence Systems Division, is responsible for supporting these launches on-site at locations such as the Tanegashima Space Center and the Uchinoura Space Center. We had an interview with members of this group about the technologies, equipment, systems, and operating structures required for the launch and control of rockets.

Keeping a watchful eye on the flight and completion of a rocket mission from the ground

──To begin, could you please explain the role of the Launch Site & Launch Pad Group?

—How many people are part of the Launch Site & Launch Pad Group?

Inoue: Our core team consists of eight members. In addition, colleagues from our group companies and partner companies join us, so the total number is quite large.


Each member of NEC brings their own unique expertise to the table. Kabatani and I both originally started our careers in equipment design. In addition, our team is strengthened by specialists in other key areas, including systems design, construction, and communications.

Toyoda: I joined NEC in April 2025 and was assigned to this group. Currently, I'm gaining hands-on experience through on-the-job training with the goal of becoming a systems specialist. Once I've built that expertise, my goal is to first build a foundation in systems, and then, just like Inoue and Kabatani, gain a deep understanding of equipment too.

— Specifically, what kinds of facilities are included in launch pad and launch site infrastructure?

Kabatani: Rocket tracking stations are located all across Japan and overseas. Earlier, Inoue mentioned that receiving signals transmitted from the rocket, those rocket tracking stations are the facilities that perform that role. The signals received at each tracking station are then transmitted to the launch site facilities, including those at Tanegashima, where they are integrated into the centralized mission control system. NEC is currently responsible for the technical maintenance and operational support of rocket tracking stations in locations including Takesaki, Ogasawara, and Guam.

Performing at our best in every situation

—What are some of the most challenging aspects of your mission with launch pad and launch site facilities?

—Looking back on the projects you've worked on, what experiences have left the strongest impression on you, or proved to be the most challenging?

Toyoda: Last year, I had the opportunity to experience a rocket launch on site for the first time. The sense of tension leading up to the launch and the exhilaration when it was successfully completed were even greater than I had imagined. It was incredibly rewarding to see everyone—from JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), which leads the launch project, to NEC's team and our partner companies—unite as one to achieve a single goal.


Kabatani: On one occasion, we received a call from our team at NEC's Fuchu Plant early in the morning on a day when no testing was scheduled. They told us that an issue which had remained unresolved until the previous day might actually have originated with NEC's equipment. I immediately contacted the JAXA representative to report it. Even though it was the weekend, the JAXA team responded instantly. Both the local team in Tanegashima and the Fuchu team began verification work and collaborated to resolve the issue.

In rocket launch projects, issues can sometimes be discovered just days, or even only a few hours, before liftoff. Every situation must be addressed as it arises, and the right decisions have to be made under pressure. That is one of the greatest challenges of our work.

Inoue: Another difficulty is coordinating schedules. Even while we're supporting a launch, development projects for related facilities are always running in parallel. Rocket launches are heavily dependent on the weather, and bad conditions can push a launch back by a week or more. When the launch schedule changes, we also have to revise development schedules and reassign team members accordingly. It's a job that constantly demands flexibility. What's important is ensuring that, no matter how much circumstances change around us, we deliver everything we're responsible for with complete precision.

A legacy of technology built over half a century

—What do you see as NEC's greatest strengths in supporting rocket launches?

Kabatani: Since the days of the H-II rocket, NEC has consistently been responsible for installing and maintaining the communications infrastructure for launch pad and launch site facilities, as well as establishing domestic and overseas transmitting and receiving stations. I myself have been involved in receiver development since the H-IIA rocket era, carrying forward and building upon the technologies developed by those who came before us. As a result, we don't simply build equipment and systems to specification; we can read "between the lines" of the specifications and design with the actual operational phase in mind. I believe that is one of NEC's greatest strengths. 

Rocket launch systems sometimes incorporate equipment manufactured by overseas vendors. Even when user manuals and available design documentation can be referenced, a significant amount of information remains non-disclosed as "black boxes". By contrast, with the components developed by NEC, we are able to explain every function and troubleshooting procedure to the user, JAXA. I believe that transparency is another key strength of NEC.

Inoue: Our strength lies not only in our ability to develop hardware, but also in our advanced communications technologies. Reliable communications between the rocket and the transmitting and receiving stations, between those stations and the mission control system, and with the various systems supplied by other companies are all essential. If any one of these links is missing, accurate rocket mission control cannot be achieved. I believe it is NEC's communications technology that underpins this highly sophisticated mission control capability.

Supporting the challenge of space business

—Finally, what do you find most rewarding about working in NEC's space business?

Kabatani: Our role is to provide comprehensive support for rocket launches from the ground. Our work goes beyond simply building equipment or conducting inspections and simulations. Our mission involves thinking ahead about everything required to ensure a successful launch, and watching over the rocket from the moment of liftoff until it completes its role in space. Being entrusted with that entire process as part of the broader endeavor of space business gives us a tremendous sense of fulfillment and pride.

Inoue: There are countless satellites orbiting the Earth, but of course they didn't get there on their own. A successful mission requires many different efforts before a satellite can be placed into orbit. Much of that work happens behind the scenes, but we take pride in supporting those missions as the unsung team behind every launch. Having the opportunity to contribute to such an important mission is what I find most rewarding.

Toyoda: Rocket launches are national projects backed by significant investment. The opportunity to work on projects of that scale is something I have because I'm part of NEC. Knowing that I'm helping support Japan's space endeavors and contribute to society gives me a real sense of purpose.

—Looking ahead, what do you see as the team's priorities? What would you like to accomplish in the years to come?

Inoue: We expect the pace of rocket launches to increase in the future. Our immediate goal is to work with JAXA to develop new systems capable of handling that growing demand. We're aiming to build stable, highly reliable systems that minimize the risk of problems occurring. At the same time, even if an issue does arise, it's important that the system can handle it and ensure the mission proceeds successfully.
We also want to establish mechanisms and organizational structures that enable us to resolve issues quickly whenever they occur.

Toyoda: Personally, my top priority is to deepen my technical knowledge and skills and become a true professional in this field. I hope to become a specialist in both systems and equipment so that I can take on greater responsibility in supporting space development projects.

Kabatani: Our role is to provide comprehensive support for rocket launches from the perspective of launch site and launch pad facilities, whether that spans several years or several decades. Our work goes beyond simply building equipment or conducting inspections and simulations. We draw on all of our knowledge and expertise to help ensure the success of these national space endeavors, supporting over the rockets through their generational transitions until they complete our mission. Being able to carry out that responsibility as part of the broader endeavor of space business is what gives us such a strong sense of fulfillment and pride.


Inoue: Close collaboration with NEC's other space sectors is also essential. As we continue to deepen our own expertise, we also want to strengthen NEC's overall capabilities in the space business. That's the direction we hope to pursue moving forward.

August 5, 2026

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