The launch of Michibiki No. 7 will finalize the operational constellation of seven QZSS satellites.
Enhanced equipment aboard the newer QZSS satellites is expected to improve positioning accuracy across Japan.
JAXA’s long-term objective is to expand the QZSS system to 11 operational satellites for improved service continuity during satellite malfunctions.
With a full QZSS constellation, Japan will have a minimum of four satellites operating over its sky for stable and accurate positioning data.
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. announced the launch of the Michibiki No. 7 satellite scheduled for February 1st, 2026, to complete Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will launch the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) satellite Michibiki No. 7 on February 1, 2026.
QZSS is compatible with GPS satellites and can be used in an integrated manner with them.
QZSS can be utilized in the Asia-Oceania regions close to Japan, with plans for expanded usage in other countries.
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) has been in operation since November of 2018.
QZSS is designed to develop a stable satellite positioning service usable at all times and locations.
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Hosted Payload (QZSS-HP) program integrates U.S. optical sensor payloads developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory into Japan’s QZSS infrastructure.
QZSS employs geostationary satellites in inclined orbits to provide advanced navigation services across the Asia-Pacific region.
The planned QZSS launches carrying U.S. optical sensor payloads were delayed due to setbacks in Japan’s H3 rocket program.
Two U.S. optical sensor payloads will be deployed aboard separate QZSS satellites scheduled for launch in 2025 and 2026.
Two U.S. Space Force payloads developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory will be hosted on Japan’s GEO-based Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).
Three additional QZSS satellites—QZS-5, QZS-6, and QZS-7—are projected to launch in the next two years.
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is commonly referred to as the Japanese GPS and operates from inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbits.
The two U.S. payloads will be hosted on Japan’s geostationary Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) satellites.
The two U.S. Space Force payloads were developed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and will be hosted on Japan’s GEO-based Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS).
A C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, landed at Yokota Air Base, Japan on 2023-05-10 while assisting Space Systems Command in delivering a second payload for QZSS.