Japan launches sixth satellite for its homegrown positioning system

Yesterday 18:05

By: Azzat Manal

Japan launches sixth satellite for its homegrown positioning system

Japan has successfully expanded its independent satellite-navigation capabilities with the launch of the sixth satellite of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), known as Michibiki. The mission is part of Tokyo’s long-term effort to strengthen the country’s positioning infrastructure and reduce its reliance on foreign satellite-navigation services.

The satellite was launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) aboard an H3 heavy-lift rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. The mission follows a previous launch attempt that failed in December after the rocket’s second stage stopped operating earlier than expected. The latest mission had subsequently been delayed several times before successfully taking place.

The Michibiki constellation currently consists of six satellites in orbit. Japan plans to expand the system further, with the objective of operating at least seven satellites to provide a more robust positioning service. The constellation is designed to work alongside the US Global Positioning System (GPS), improving positioning accuracy across Japan and surrounding areas.

Tokyo has more ambitious plans for the coming years. The number of Michibiki satellites is expected to increase to 11, allowing the QZSS network to provide broader and more reliable coverage across Japan and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Such an expansion would also strengthen Japan’s technological autonomy in satellite navigation.

One of the key advantages of QZSS is its ability to transmit highly secure signals designed to improve resilience against interference. The system has applications in civilian fields such as transportation, mapping, agriculture and disaster management, while its capabilities are also relevant to government and security-related operations.

High-precision positioning is another important feature of the Japanese system. Depending on the service and operating conditions, QZSS can support positioning at centimeter-level accuracy, significantly improving on the accuracy normally available from conventional satellite-navigation services.

The development of Michibiki reflects Japan’s broader strategy of investing in space infrastructure and advanced technologies. As satellite-based positioning becomes increasingly important for transportation, communications, logistics and emergency response, maintaining access to reliable navigation signals has become a strategic priority for many countries.

With the latest launch, Japan has taken another step toward building a more autonomous and resilient positioning network. The planned expansion of the Michibiki constellation is expected to further enhance Japan’s technological capabilities while providing more precise navigation services across the region.