Japan launches sixth QZSS satellite: 6 cm accuracy versus 10 m for GPS

Japan has put its sixth satellite for the QZSS positioning system into orbit, a network designed to augment the American GPS and eventually reduce the country's reliance on it. The Michibiki 7 spacecraft lifted off aboard a heavy H3 launch vehicle from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwest of Japan.

The QZSS constellation, often described as Japan's own GPS, is not yet capable of operating independently: at least seven satellites are required for stable functioning as a national positioning system. Six Michibiki satellites are currently in orbit, with the previous one, Michibiki 6, launched by JAXA in February this year, while the launch of Michibiki 5 in December last year ended in failure.

By the mid-2030s, Japan plans to expand the constellation to 11 satellites, which would ensure navigation autonomy and reduce dependence on GPS. The key advantage of the Japanese system is its high precision: Michibiki satellites determine the coordinates of objects on the Earth's surface within their coverage area with an error of about 6 cm, compared to roughly 10 m for GPS. QZSS satellites are compatible with the American GPS and serve as an augmentation, improving its accuracy.