Japan successfully launched GPS satellite

The H3 No. 5 rocket carried the Japanese version of the global positioning system (GPS) satellite called Michibiki No. 6. The event marked the success after four consecutive launches, proving the safety and reliability of Japanese rocket technology.

According toKyodo News,The rocket was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan, on February 2.

The Michibiki 6 satellite will operate in geostationary orbit 36,000 km above the Earth and will be equipped with many space observation eyes provided by the US Army Space Force stationed in Japan.

They will be used in mobile communication services, smartphone positioning as well as providing earthquake warning information to areas with poor radio coverage.

Currently, Michibiki satellites No. 1 to No. 4 are operating in orbit, and the latest satellite No. 6 becomes the 5th satellite in this series. Due to fierce disputes between many countries, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency prioritized launching satellite No. 6 before satellite No. 5 to ensure its orbital position.

Michibiki is an artificial satellite with positioning functions similar to GPS and is also known as the Japanese version of GPS satellite.

“Michibiki is an important satellite. We have conducted many reliability tests before launch and will continue to demonstrate the satellite's stable performance after launching into geostationary orbit,” said Kishimoto Toshihisa, Director of the Space Strategy Promotion Secretariat of the Cabinet Office.

The Japanese government aims to build a seven-satellite system by fiscal 2026. If this is achieved, it will be possible to provide location information using Japanese satellites without relying on overseas satellites.