Launch Date of Michibiki, the First QZSS Satellite, On Hold

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have announced a new date for the launch of Michibiki, the first QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite) unit. The launch had been put on hold due to a possible defect in the on-board reaction wheels. Newly scheduled date of launch is September, 11.

The Michibiki is designed to provide positioning, timing and navigation service to Japan and surrounding regions as a complement to the U.S. GPS satellite system.