H-IIA to launch QZS-4
Japan's H-IIA rocket is set for liftoff from the picturesque Tanegashima Space Center Monday night, carrying into orbit the fourth satellite of the country's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System providing augmentation to the Global Positioning System. Targeting a highly elliptical Tundra Transfer Orbit, H-IIA will be in action for 28 minutes and fire its upper stage twice before sending the 4,000-Kilogram satellite on its way into orbit.
With four satellites in orbit, QZSS will reach full operational status, enhancing the availability of GPS over the Japanese Islands and the country's urban canyons while also delivering augmentation messages to increase navigation accuracy to one meter.
Live Video by JAXA
Launch Date: October 9, 2017 | Launch Updates |
Launch Time: 22:01:37 UTC | Quasi-Zenith Satellite System |
Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center | H-IIA 202 Launch Vehicle |
Launch Vehicle: H-IIA 202 | Countdown Timeline |
Payload: QZS-4 (4,000kg) | Flight Profile |
Ascent Duration: 28 min & 24 sec | |
Target Orbit: 250 x 36,140km, 31.9° |