3rd Japanese GPS satellite launched successfully

August 20, 2017

TENEGASHIMA, KAGOSHIMA PREF.- The third satellite for the Japanese version of the Global Positioning System was successfully launched Saturday.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, launched an H-2A rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 3 satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at 2:29 p.m. (5:29 a.m. GMT).

The government satellite entered its target geostationary orbit after being separated from the rocket about 30 minutes after the liftoff.

The Michibiki satellite system is designed to complement the GPS by realizing positioning accuracy of a few centimeters to several tens of centimeters.

The government plans to start supplying positioning data from April next year using four Michibiki spacecraft--the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 4 quasi-zenith satellites moving almost directly above Japan and the No. 3 geostationary satellite.

The No. 3 satellite was originally scheduled to be launched on Aug. 12. Its launch was postponed due to a fall in pressure of helium gas that moves rocket engine valves. Faulty parts were replaced later.

The No. 1 satellite was launched in September 2010, and the No. 2 in June this year. The No. 4 launch is set for autumn. Jiji Press