The complete database of

Space Exploration Locations

Explore locations that are important for space programs worldwide – from launch sites and research centers to astronomical observatories and space museums.

Astronomical Observatories

Observatories contribute to our understanding of the universe by conducting research on stars, planets, galaxies, and other astronomical phenomena.

Indian Astronomical Observatory

Explore the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, India, a high-altitude research facility advancing astronomical studies.

Mauna Kea Observatories

Explore the Mauna Kea Observatories, a premier research site in Hawaii known for groundbreaking discoveries and advanced facilities.

The four Unit Telescopes that form the VLT together with the four Auxiliary Telescopes (VST at right)

Very Large Telescope (VLT)

Explore the Very Large Telescope’s contributions to astronomy, its advanced facilities in the Atacama Desert, and its role in discoveries.

European Southern Observatory - La Silla cluster of telescopes.

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Explore the European Southern Observatory’s role in advancing astronomical research with its state-of-the-art facilities VLT and ALMA.

Subaru Telescope (Hawaii)

Explore the Subaru Telescope’s role in advancing astronomical research with its cutting-edge facilities on Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

Development and Research Centers

These centers work on designing new spacecraft, improving propulsion systems, and developing advanced materials and electronics for space applications.

MetOp-C's payload module being lowered into Large Space Simulator, 2017.

European Space Research and Technology Centre

Explore NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a leader in space exploration and innovation, known for pioneering missions.

Members of NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)

Explore NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a leader in space exploration and innovation, known for pioneering missions.

Checkpoint NII-88 (TsNIIMash) on Pioneer Street, in 2011.

TsNIIMash Institute of Machine Building

Explore the TsNIIMash, Russia’s premier space research center, known for pioneering achievements like Sputnik 1 and Vostok 1.

SpaceX Headquarters

Explore SpaceX Headquarters and Development Facility in Hawthorne, CA, the home of groundbreaking Falcon rockets and Starship.

Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

Discover the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO’s hub for satellite launch vehicle development, known for key missions like Mangalyaan.

Launch Locations

Facilities equipped with advanced infrastructure to support various types of launches, including manned and unmanned missions and deployments.

NASA’s Moon rocket on the move at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral)

Located in Florida, this is NASA’s primary launch center and has launched numerous space missions, including Apollo and Space Shuttle.

Guiana Space Center: Vega launch pad in 2017.

Guiana Space Centre, French Guiana

Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Arianespace, it is a major launch site for European missions and satellite launches.

Launch locations: Tanegashima Space Center

Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Managed by JAXA, this location is Japan’s largest rocket-launch complex and is used for launching H-IIA and H-IIB rockets.

A Soyuz rocket is erected into position at the Baikonur Cosmodrome's Pad 1/5 (Gagarin's Start) on 24 March 2009.

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

The world’s first and largest operational space launch facility. It is the launch site for Soyuz missions to the International Space Station.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center: Launch Vehicle Vertical Assembly Building.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

One of China’s major launch sites, it is used for launching crewed missions, including the Shenzhou spacecraft, and various satellites.

Mission Control Centers

Dive into the European Union’s space endeavors, encompassing satellite navigation, Earth observation, and space science missions, fostering innovation and cooperation.

SpaceX Mission Control

Discover SpaceX Mission Control in Hawthorne, California, the hub for managing groundbreaking missions like reusable rockets and launches.

European Space Operations Centre

Explore ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt, Germany, the nerve center for mission control and the management of missions.

ISRO’s Mission Control Centre

Explore ISRO’s Mission Control Centre in Bengaluru, India, the heart of Indian space mission management, overseeing landmark missions.

Johnson Space Center - Mission Control Center in 2005

NASA’s Johnson Space Center

Explore NASA’s Johnson Space Center, the heart of human spaceflight operations, home to mission control, training, and key space missions.

Roscosmos’ Mission Control Center

Explore Roscosmos’ Mission Control Center (TsUP), the heart of Russian space mission control, managing historic and current missions.

Space Museums and Visitor Centers

All venues featuring exhibits on past missions, current projects, and future plans. They also often include actual spacecraft and interactive displays.