NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Michibiki 1

Launch Time
Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:17 UTC

Rocket

H-IIA 202
Image Credit: MHI
MHI
Status: Active
Price: $90.0 million
Payload to LEO: 10,000 kg
Payload to GTO: 4,100 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 2
Rocket Height: 53.0 m
Fairing Diameter: 4.07 m
Fairing Height: 12.0 m

Mission Details

Michibiki 1

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.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 4,100.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Location

LA-Y1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Stats

2010

47th orbital launch attempt

H-IIA

18th mission
2nd mission of 2010
17th successful mission
12th consecutive successful mission