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Quasi-zenith Satellite System (QZSS)

QZSS is a constellation of Japan’s geographic positioning satellites. These satellites travel in a geosynchronous orbit at an inclination of 45 degrees in order to pass near the zenith over Japan, thus providing seamless service irrespective of geographical features. They will significantly improve the accuracy of positioning in areas where GPS signals are not fully received due to interference caused by skyscrapers and mountainous terrain.

The first quasi-zenith satellite was launched in September 2010.
Three additional satellites will be launched consecutively starting in 2017, establishing a system of four satellites.

Mitsubishi Electric will continue to contribute to the advancement of geographic positioning satellites, which are useful for various applications such as traffic and surveying.

Quasi-zenith Satellite-1 (QZS-1)

  • Client

    JAXA

  • Launch date

    September 11, 2010

  • Launch vehicle

    H-ⅡA

  • Launch site

    Tanegashima Space Center

  • Orbit

    Quasi-zenith (geosynchronous orbit with inclination of 45 degrees)

  • Mass

    Approx. 4t (at launch)

  • Electrical power

    5,300W

  • Design life

    10 years

  • Responsibilities

    Prime contractor


Quasi-zenith Satellite-2, -3, -4 (QZS-2, -3, -4)
Quasi-zenith Satellite-1R, -5, -6, -7 (QZS-1R, -5 , -6, -7)

  • Client

    Cabinet Office, Government Of Japan Office of National Space Policy

  • Launch date

    QZS-2:June 1, 2017
    QZS-3:August 19, 2017
    QZS-4:October 10, 2017
    QZS-1R:FY2020
    QZS-5:FY2023
    QZS-6:FY2023
    QZS-7:FY2023

  • Launch vehicle

    H-ⅡA / H3

  • Launch site

    Tanegashima Space Center

  • Orbit

    4 satellites: Quasi-zenith (geosynchronous orbit with inclination of 45 degrees)
    3 satellite: Geostationary orbit

  • Mass

    -

  • Electrical power

    -

  • Design life

    15 years

  • Responsibilities

    Prime contractor

Learn more about new ground antennas and satellite control systems for QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System)


Various Applications Utilizing Centi-meter Level Positioning Information

Quasi-zenith satellites provide highly accurate centi-meter level positioning information.
Combined with the highly precise three-dimensional geographic information collected via Mitsubishi Electric’s Mobile Mapping System (MMS), it is expected that they will contribute to the introduction of new business and services.

Examples: Smart driving support systems, automated driving, disaster prevention, simulation of disaster response and preparedness based on three-dimensional positioning information, and efficiency of infrastructure maintenance

Mitsubishi Electric is contributing to the realization of societies that actively utilize geospatial information.

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