QZS 2 (Michibiki) [MHI]
QZSS (Quasi Zenith Satellite System) is a Japanese satellite navigation system operating from inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbits to achieve optimal high-elevation visibility in urban canyons and mountainous areas. The navigation system objective is to broadcast GPS-interoperable and augmentation signals as well as original Japanese (QZSS) signals from a three-spacecraft constellation.
The navigation system objective is to broadcast GPS-interoperable and augmentation signals as well as original Japanese (QZSS) signals from a three-spacecraft constellation in inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbits.
Phase one will demonstrate the technological validation for the enhancement of GPS availability and performance and their application, using the first Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS 1) Michibiki. After evaluating these results, the plan moves into phase two which demonstrates the full system capability using three Quasi-Zenith Satellites, including QZS-1. JAXA is in charge of integrating the system as a whole, as well as cooperating with related research organizations to develop the High Accuracy Positioning Experiment System, the QZS Bus System and the Tracking Control System.
The QZS 1 is based on Mitsubishi's ETS-8-Bus and will have a lift off weight of 4100 kg. The QZS satellites are to operate for more than 10 years.
Three more improved QZSS satellites have been ordered in April 2013. QZS-2 and QZS-4 will also operate from the inclined 24 hour orbit, while QZS 3 will augment the system from a geostationary orbit.
Nation: | Japan |
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Type / Application: | Navigation |
Operator: | JAXA |
Contractors: | Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO) |
Equipment: | transponders |
Configuration: | DS-2000 |
Propulsion: | R-4D |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 15 years |
Mass: | 4000 kg |
Orbit: | 32618 km × 38950 km, 41° (#2) 35889 km × 36070, 40.4° (#4) |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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QZS 1R (Michibiki 1R) | 2021-096A | 26.10.2021 | Ta YLP-1 | H-2A-202 | ||
QZS 2 (Michibiki 2) | 2017-028A | 01.06.2017 | Ta YLP-1 | H-2A-202 | ||
QZS 4 (Michibiki 4) | 2017-062A | 09.10.2017 | Ta YLP-1 | H-2A-202 |