Japan readies second Michibiki satellite for QZSS

The second satellite in the Japanese Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) is scheduled for launch in June.

QZSS will be a satellite augmentation system for GPS in the region of Japan.

The first Michibiki satellite was launched Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki 2 will be launched aboard H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 34 from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Launch time is tentatively set for 9:20 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) from Yoshinobu Launch Complex, JAXA’s Tanegashima Space Center. The exact date and time could vary, with a launch window planned for June 1-30.