Michibiki (QZSS)=H-2A/202 (F18)-11.09.10 15:17-Tanegashima

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http://www.jaxa.jp/press/2010/06/20100623_michibiki_e.html

June 23, 2010 (JST)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) decided to postpone the launch of the first Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI" by the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 (H-IIA F18) from the Tanegashima Space Center, which was originally scheduled for August 2, 2010.

The new launch date will be announced as soon as it is determined.

(Reason for launch delay)
JAXA found a potential concern in the onboard reaction wheels of the MICHIBIKI following notification from an overseas manufacturer. It may take some time to clear up the potential concern for the manufacturer by assessing test data. Therefore, we determined that it is better to replace the parts with new ones in order to be able to launch the MICHIBIKI as soon as possible while securing the quality and reliability of the satellite.

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Сайты проекта:
http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f18/index_e.html
http://www.jaxa.jp/projects/sat/qzss/index_e.html

Contributing to a safe and secure society from directly over Japan anytime



Satellite-based positioning systems have been used in a broad array of fields including car navigation and land surveying, and have become indispensable to our lives.
The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) uses multiple satellites that have the same orbital period as geostationary satellites with some orbital inclinations (their orbits are known as "Quasi-Zenith Orbits"). These satellites are placed in multiple orbital planes, so that one satellite always appears near the zenith above the region of Japan. The system makes it possible to provide high accuracy satellite positioning service covering close to 100% of Japan, including urban canyon and mountain terrain. Through the development and deployment of this system, we aim to enhance Japan's satellite positioning technology and contribute to building safe and secure society with enhanced satellite based positioning, navigation and timing technologies.

QZSS Project

Phase one will demonstrate the technological validation for the enhancement of GPS availability and performance and their application, using the first Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS-1) "MICHIBIKI". After evaluating these results, the plan moves into phase two which demonstrates the full system capability using three Quasi-Zenith Satellites, including QZS-1.
JAXA is in charge of integrating the system as a whole, as well as cooperating with related research organizations to develop the High Accuracy Positioning Experiment System, the QZS Bus System and the Tracking Control System.

High Accuracy Positioning Experiment System

The proposed High Accuracy Positioning Experiment System consists of onboard instruments capable of generating and transmitting positioning signals and ground tracking stations responsible for estimating the time and orbital position of the satellite.
The system is aimed at improving availability of GPS signals for relevant users through QZSS, which is equipped with instruments capable of generating and transmitting signals compatible with modernized GPS signals. In addition, QZSS is designed to transmit not only these positioning signals but also their correction signals and informations of GPS availability in order to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the positioning signals. A future plan calls for us to acquire technologies necessary for the development of next generation satellite positioning system through orbital demonstration conducted on experimental signal and onboard equipments designed to improve positioning accuracy.
Space-based positioning system has played an important role in wide area and diverse fields from land survey to car navigation, and has become critical to our lives. Research on the Positioning Experiment System is expected to improve benefits of GPS users and expand more sophisticated utilization of an advanced future satellite positioning system.

Major Characteristics
Shape    2 box shape with wing-type solar array paddles
2.9m in depth x 3.1m in width x 6.2m in height
(Length between the tips of the paddles: 25.3m)
Weight    Approx. 4000kg
Orbiter    Quasi-Zenith Orbit
Altitude    Approx. 42,000km
Inclination    45 degrees
Period    23 hours 56 minutes

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http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f18/index_e.html

July 28, 2010 Updated
H-IIA F18 arrives at the TNSC

The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 (H-IIA F18,) which will carry the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI" to space, was transported from Shimama Port on Tanegashima Island to the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC.)
The first and the second stages of the launch vehicle were in separate containers for transportation, thus they will be assembled at the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the TNSC.

[Брабонт]

New Launch Day of the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite 'MICHIBIKI' by H-IIA launch Vehicle No. 18

Scheduled new date of launch :   September 11 (Saturday) 2010 (Japan Standard Time)
Launch time :   8:17 p.m. thru 9:16 p.m. (Japan Standard Time)
Launch windows :   September 12 (Sunday) through September 30 (Thursday), 2010
*Launch time will be set for each launch day if the launch is delayed.

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http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f18/index_e.html

August 26, 2010 Updated

MICHIBIKI mated with the PAFThe first quasi-zenith satellite "MICHIBIKI" is now loaded with fuel at the Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building (SFA) at the Tanegashima Space Center, and is now in the final preparation phase before launch.
On August 24, a joint operation with the launch vehicle provider started, and the MICHIBIKI was mated with the Payload Attach Fitting (PAF) of the launch vehicle, which is a connection part between the payload and the launch vehicle.
The MICHIBIKI will be encapsulated by the payload fairing, then moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to be loaded onto the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18.

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http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100828p2a00m0na011000c.html

The space headquarters officially inaugurated the "quasi-zenith satellite system" project -- which will complement the U.S. global positioning satellite system -- in conjunction with parliamentary secretaries from eight ministries and agencies. The new system will require the launch of at least three satellites, the first of which -- dubbed "Michibiki" -- is slated for launch this September. However, due to setbacks in the public-private partnership developing the satellites, the launch of the remaining two is currently up in the air, with the team of parliamentary secretaries stating they will strive to reach a conclusion by next fiscal year.

In order to enhance the space headquarters functionality as the supreme space policy-making body in the government, the Cabinet Secretariat has requested the headquarters' estimated 2011 budget be quadrupled to some 380 million yen.

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http://www.jaxa.jp/countdown/f18/index_e.html

September 2, 2010 Updated
MICHIBIKI live launch report from 7:45 p.m. on Sept. 11th (Sat.)
JAXA is broadcasting a live report of the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 launch with the first quasi-zenith satellite MICHIBIKI onboard from 7:45 p.m. on September 11 (Saturday,) 2010 (Japan Standard Time.)
You can watch the report through the Internet and some cell phone services as well as at some JAXA offices, including JAXA i, Tsukuba Space Center, at scientific museums, and street vision locations. Please support the MICHIBIKI launch by watching the dynamic live launch images from the Tanegashima Space Center.
We welcome your support messages to the MICHIBIKI, as the project team awaits its launch. Some of the messages may be introduced during the live launch report.
* Please be aware that the launch live report schedule is subject to change due to the preparation status and weather conditions.

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http://www.gisa.ru/66759.html

Открыт веб-сайт первого QZSS спутника Michibiki

Как сообщает портал www.gps-club.ru, веб-сайт первого квази-зенитного спутника, названного Michibiki, открыт для посетителей, хотя некоторые его страницы все еще находятся в стадии разработки.

Основная цель сайта – публикация данных, полученных с Michibiki. Тем не менее, разработчики постарались сделать его нескучным. Сайт состоит из трех разделов: Play (включает развлекательное интерактивное содержимое), Read (включает информацию о Michibiki) и Use (для использования Michibiki).

Сайт доступен на японском и английском языках и призван быть полезным как специалистам спутникового позиционирования, так и новичкам. Он не только предоставляет оперативную информацию Michibiki, но и содержит детальное объяснение квази-зенитной спутниковой системы (QZSS), и кроме этого, интервью с лидерами в различных областях позицонирования.

Адрес сайта: http://qz-vision.jaxa.jp

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http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/features/science/T100908001888.htm

Japan's 1st navigation satellite good for GPS

Toshiaki Sato / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

In a nation crowded with mountains and skyscrapers, signals from navigation satellites sent to Global Positioning System devices on the ground, such as those in car navigation systems, are sometimes blocked by obstacles that make it difficult for the devices to accurately determine their locations.

However, Saturday's planned launch of Japan's first navigation satellite is expected to solve the problem, at least partly, as the so-called quasi-zenith satellite would spend significant time above Japan.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has been preparing to launch Michibiki (a name that means "guidance" in Japanese) to cover the blind spots left by the 30 U.S. navigation satellites that are the foundation of the existing GPS system. This would enable people using GPS locator-equipped cell phones and car navigation systems in this country to receive more accurate information.

It is now common to see people searching for the shortest route to their destination on car navigation systems or cell phones equipped with GPS locators, which calculate their location after receiving signals from multiple navigation satellites.

However, there are places where locators cannot calculate their locations accurately at certain times as signals sent from navigation satellites are sometimes interrupted by mountains and buildings.

From an altitude of about 40,000 kilometers, Michibiki will send signals interchangeable with those of the GPS satellites to locators.

A navigation satellite transmits a stream of data on its location and the time, which is measured by an atomic clock. The receiver notes the difference between the time the data was sent by the satellite and the time it was received. Using this information, it can calculate its own distance from the satellite, and then determine its own location.

Radio waves travel at 300,000 kilometers per second, so an error of 0.000001 second in time results in an error of 300 meters in distance. To accurately determine its location, a locator needs to receive signals from at least four navigation satellites simultaneously.

Currently, 30 U.S. navigation satellites are covering the entire Earth. Sometimes eight to 11 navigation satellites fly near Japan, but in mountainous areas or cities crowded with buildings, there are still times when it is difficult for GPS locators to receive signals from four satellites at the same time.

Michibiki would be helpful in such cases because signals from quasi-zenith satellites are unlikely to be interrupted by obstacles.

Currently, in some urban areas, about 10 percent of the time it is difficult for locators to calculate their locations accurately, but Michibiki would eliminate such gaps and enable locators to work accurately around-the-clock.

Michibiki also would help locators to correct errors in calculating their location.

The speed of radio waves is affected by atmospheric conditions, but the quasi-zenith satellite will send signals that order locators to adjust their calculations according to changes in the atmosphere.

Current cell phones and car navigation systems will not be able to directly receive signals from Michibiki. It will be necessary to develop receivers or software compatible with the signals the new satellite sends out.

In the future, Michibiki is also expected to be used for many other purposes, including controlling airplanes, detecting tsunami in their early stages, helping drivers avoid traffic jams and directing large automated agricultural machines as they move through fields.

The GPS system was developed by the United States and was initially used only for military purposes. China, India, Russia and the European Union are developing and improving their own global navigation satellite systems.

About 10 years from now, space above Asia is expected to be crowded with navigation satellites. There will always be about 20 satellites flying over the continent, JAXA said. Countries have begun discussing how to share their navigation satellites at the United Nations.

Michibiki's orbit takes it above Japan for about eight hours each day, so two more quasi-zenith satellites are needed to cover Japan for 24 hours.

Koji Terada, manager of the Michibiki project at JAXA, said: "Michibiki's activities will determine whether the government decides to launch two more satellites. What we must do now is make sure Michibiki's technology tests will succeed."
(Sep. 9, 2010)

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http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/mission/countdown/f18.html

September 11, 2010 07:25 JST
H-IIA F18 arrives at the launch pad. Launch vehicle and pad facility connection operation starts.


September 11, 2010 07:01 JST
H-IIA F18 carrying MICHIBIKI atop the second stage leaves for the launch pad. The launch vehicle, mounted on a mobile launcher, will travel approximately 500 meters from the VAB to the launch pad. This takes approximately 30 minutes.


September 11, 2010 04:07 JST
First Go/NoGo Decision - "Go"

This is an updated Launch Countdown Report on the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI" which will be launched using the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.18 (H-IIA F18). The weather conditions were checked and the green light given, for transportation of H-IIA F18 from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the launch pad. The scheduled launch time of tomorrow September 11 is 20:17:00 JST.

http://space.jaxa.jp/tnsc/webcam/index_j.shtml

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http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/mission/countdown/f18.html

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http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/mission/countdown/f18.html

September 11, 2010 13:01 JST
The attitude control system flight slew test has been completed.


September 11, 2010 12:17 JST
Access restriction to be imposed inside a 3000 meters radius from the launch pad


September 11, 2010 11:15 JST
Pre-cooling operations for the liquid hydrogen and oxygen loading systems have commenced.


September 11, 2010 10:30 JST
Terminal countdown operations have started. Access is restricted inside a 400 meters radius from the launch pad.


September 11, 2010 10:01 JST
Second Go/NoGo Decision - "Go"

All aspects of the operation - the readiness of the launch vehicle, the spacecraft, the launch facility, the vehicle tracking and control system, and weather conditions - have been confirmed, and we are go for propellant loading operations. Preparation for the loading will start soon.

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http://h2a.mhi.co.jp/en/mission/countdown/f18.html

September 11, 2010 15:14 JST

Checking of the radio frequency system between the launch vehicle and ground stations has been completed.


September 11, 2010 14:18 JST

It was confirmed that the first and second stage liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks have been fully loaded.

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Трансляция :
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jaxa-live

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September 11, 2010 19:47 JST
JAXA's live webcast will start soon. (See JAXA's website.)
We have 30 minutes to launch.

September 11, 2010 19:17 JST
The X-60 minutes terminal countdown operation has started. JAXA live launch webcast will start at 19:45 JST.

September 11, 2010 19:07 JST
Third Go/NoGo decision - "Go"
The green light was given for the X-60 minutes terminal countdown operation.

September 11, 2010 18:31 JST
The second attitude control system flight slew test has been completed.

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Улетела! :wink:

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September 11, 2010 20:18 JST
X+1'00"
H-IIA F18 is flying smoothly.


September 11, 2010 20:17 JST
Liftoff
The H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.18 carrying the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite "MICHIBIKI" lifted off at 20:17:00 JST on September 11, 2010 from the Tanegashima Space Center.


September 11, 2010 20:12 JST
Automatic countdown sequence start
Four and a half minutes to liftoff. The automatic countdown sequence has started.

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Первая ступень отработала!

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September 11, 2010 20:45 JST
The separation of MICHIBIKI was confirmed. An updated status of the MICHIBIKI will be given on JAXA's website. This is the end of the Countdown Report. Thank you for visiting our website.