LAUNCH CENTER

Success

Thu Jun 01 2017

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Michibiki 2 (QZS-2)

Launch Successful

LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

(12:17 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

(12:17 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

(12:17 AM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

H-IIA 202

Description:

H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.

MISSION OVERVIEW

Type: Communications
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is a three-satellite regional time transfer system and the satellite-based augmentation system for the GPS that would be receivable within Japan. The primary purpose of QZSS is to increase the availability of GPS in Japan's numerous urban canyons, where only satellites at very high elevation can be seen. A secondary function is performance enhancement, increasing the accuracy and reliability of GPS derived navigation solutions. A single satellite weighs about 4000 kg, has an expected lifetime of 15 years and is put in a elliptical, highly inclined geosynchronous orbit.

COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Tanegashima, Japan

Pad

Yoshinobu Launch Complex