Michibiki 4 (QZS-4)

Mission

Michibiki 4 (QZS-4)

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.

Location

Yoshinobu Launch Complex

Tanegashima, Japan

35 rockets have launched from Tanegashima, Japan.

Rocket

H-IIA 202

Length: 53 meters
Diameter: 4 meters
First Launch: August 29, 2001

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.

The H-IIA 202 rocket has been launched a total of 22 times with 22 successful and 0 failed launches.

Agency

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Type: Commercial
Abbreviation: MHI
Administration: Seiji Izumisawa
Founded: 1884
Launchers: H-I, H-II, H-III
Spacecraft: Kounotori, HTV
Country: JPN

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. is a Japanese multinational engineering, electrical equipment and electronics company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. MHI is one of the core companies of the Mitsubishi Group.

MHI’s products include aerospace components, air conditioners, aircraft, automotive components, forklift trucks, hydraulic equipment, machine tools, missiles, power generation equipment, printing machines, ships and space launch vehicles. Through its defense-related activities, it is the world’s 23rd-largest defense contractor measured by 2011 defense revenues and the largest based in Japan.