Launch Complex 1 (LC1) — Small Orbital Rocket Launch Site
Hokkaido Spaceport (SPACE COTAN)
Under-development orbital launch site at Hokkaido Spaceport with two launch pads (LP11, LP12), assembly buildings, and full propellant infrastructure for small satellite launch vehicles.
Technical specifications
- Location
- Taiki-cho, Hiroo-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
- Latitude
- 42.30°N
- Longitude
- 143.26°E
- Launch pads
- LP11, LP12
- Infrastructure
- Rocket assembly buildings, satellite preparation rooms, propellant tank yard
- Accessible orbit inclinations
- 42° to 98° (including SSO)
- Vehicle type
- Small orbital launch vehicles
- Status
- Under development (LP12 first launch July 2025)
- Propellants available
- LNG (CH4), LOX, GHe, LN2, GN2, GOX, Water, Electrical Power
About
Launch Complex 1 (LC1) is Hokkaido Spaceport’s purpose-built facility for small orbital launch vehicles, currently under development in Taiki Town, Hokkaido. LC1 features two launch pads — LP11 and LP12 — with supporting infrastructure including rocket assembly buildings, satellite preparation rooms, and a dedicated propellant tank yard.
LP11 is the primary pad, equipped with assembly building and propellant supply systems, designed to support launch vehicles targeting orbital insertion for small and nano satellites. LP12 has already demonstrated flight operations: in July 2025, jtSPACE Co., Ltd. successfully launched their VP01 suborbital rocket from LP12, marking the first launch from LC1.
The facility’s geographic position at 42.30°N latitude with open sea to the east and south provides access to orbital inclinations from 42° to 98°, making it particularly well-suited for sun-synchronous orbits (SSO) used by Earth observation and remote sensing satellites. HOSPO supplies all standard launch propellants and gases and provides comprehensive launch support including regulatory consulting, meteorological services, ground condition monitoring, and coordination of sea and air routes for downrange safety.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.
