NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

Michibiki 3

Launch Time
Sat Aug 19, 2017 05:29 UTC

Rocket

H-IIA 204
Image Credit: MHI
MHI
Status: Retired
Payload to LEO: 15,000 kg
Payload to GTO: 6,000 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 4
Fairing Diameter: 4.07 m
Fairing Height: 12.0 m

Mission Details

Michibiki 3

Michibiki 3, or QZS 3 (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.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 4,000.0 kg
Geostationary Transfer Orbit

Location

LA-Y1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Stats

2017

52nd orbital launch attempt

H-IIA

35th mission
4th mission of 2017
34th successful mission
29th consecutive successful mission