Translation guide
A location from which rockets, missiles, or spacecraft are launched. In Japanese, the most common term is 発射場 for general launch sites, while 射場 is used in technical or military contexts. For spaceports, 宇宙港 is used, and for specific well-known sites, proper names like 種子島宇宙センター are common.
A place where rockets or missiles are launched, often used in news or general contexts.
The most common and general term for a launch site, used for rockets and missiles.
ロケットの発射場は海岸にあります。
The rocket launch site is on the coast.
A more technical or military term, often used in compound words like 射場試験 (launch site test).
射場の安全確認が行われた。
Safety checks were conducted at the launch site.
A facility for launching spacecraft, often a large complex with multiple launch pads.
Literally 'space port', used for futuristic or commercial space travel hubs.
新しい宇宙港が建設中です。
A new spaceport is under construction.
Commonly used for NASA-like space centers, e.g., Kennedy Space Center.
種子島宇宙センターからロケットが打ち上げられた。
A rocket was launched from Tanegashima Space Center.
Referring to well-known launch facilities by their proper names.
For famous sites, use the established Japanese name. Many are transliterations or translations.
ケネディ宇宙センター
Kennedy Space Center
バイコヌール宇宙基地
Baikonur Cosmodrome
発射場 is the most common and neutral term. 射場 is more technical and often used in military or engineering contexts. 宇宙港 is specifically for spaceports and has a futuristic nuance.
試験前に発射場から避難した。
The launch site was evacuated before the test.