QZS 3 (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: | 4700 kg |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
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QZS 3 (Michibiki 3) | 2017-048A | 19.08.2017 | Ta YLP-1 | H-2A-204 |