Quasi-Zenith Satellite System
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), also known as Michibiki (みちびき), is a four-satellite regional satellite navigation system and a satellite-based augmentation system developed by the Japanese government to enhance the United States-operated Global Positioning System (GPS) in the Asia-Oceania regions, with a focus on Japan.[1] The goal of QZSS is to provide highly precise and stable positioning services in the Asia-Oceania region, compatible with GPS.[2] Four-satellite QZSS services were available on a trial basis as of 12 January 2018,[3] and officially started on 1 November 2018.[4] A satellite navigation system independent of GPS is planned for 2023 with seven satellites.[5][6] In May 2023 it was announced that the system would expand to eleven satellites.[7]
Country/ies of origin
Japan
Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Services Inc. / Cabinet Office
Civilian
Operational
Regional
PNT <10 m (public)
SLAS <1 m (public)
CLAS <10 cm (public)
7
4
11 September 2010
26 October 2021
5
3x GSO
JPY 170 billion
History[edit]
In 2002, the Japanese government authorized the development of QZSS, as a three-satellite regional time transfer system and a satellite-based augmentation system for the United States operated Global Positioning System (GPS) to be receivable within Japan. A contract was awarded to Advanced Space Business Corporation (ASBC), that began concept development work, and Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi, and GNSS Technologies Inc. However, ASBC collapsed in 2007, and the work was taken over by the Satellite Positioning Research and Application Center (SPAC), which is owned by four Japanese government departments: the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.[8]
The first satellite "Michibiki" was launched on 11 September 2010.[9] Full operational status was expected by 2013.[10][11] In March 2013, Japan's Cabinet Office announced the expansion of QZSS from three satellites to four. The US$526 million contract with Mitsubishi Electric for the construction of three satellites was scheduled for launch before the end of 2017.[12] The third satellite was launched into orbit on 19 August 2017,[13] and the fourth was launched on 10 October 2017.[14] The basic four-satellite system was announced as operational on 1 November 2018.[4]