Japan launches latest satellite of positioning system
October 12 , 2017 2598 days 1130 0
Japan successfully launched the fourth and final satellite that makes up its terrestrial positioning network system.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launched a Japanese H-IIA rocket with the Michibiki-4 communications satellite from the space centre on Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima.
This is the second system that Japan launches as part of its Quasi-Zenith Satellite Systems
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System
Quasi-Zenith is a regional terrestrial positioning network system launched by Japan.
The satellite system consists of 4 satellites which will operate at an altitude of between 33,000 and 39,000 km above the earth in geosynchronous orbit.
Its function is to improve GPS data accuracy for smartphones and vehicle navigation systems and complementary use of GPS.
Japan recently launched its fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite into orbit.
These satellites will be to establish communications during a malfunction of traditional networks due to a natural disaster.