Aug 20 (NHK) - Japan has successfully launched a rocket carrying the third satellite for its own version of a global positioning system.
An H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan at 2:29 PM on Saturday. It was carrying the Michibiki No.3 satellite.
The GPS satellite was put into orbit about 28 minutes later at an altitude of about 420 kilometers.
Michibiki No.3 is part of a 4-satellite system scheduled to go into practical operation next spring. The network will reduce the margin of error from about 10 meters to several centimeters.
The GPS system is expected to be used for fully automated construction machinery and other services in different fields.
Source: ANNnewsCH
