Society

Japan's GPS satellite launch successful

Jun 01 (NHK) - The launch of a rocket carrying a satellite that's part of Japan's version of a global positioning system was a success.

The H-2A rocket lifted off Thursday morning from Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. It carried Michibiki No.2, which is part of a 4-satellite system. The satellite was put into orbit at the scheduled time.

The system's first satellite was sent into space 7 years ago. Two others will be launched later this year. Each will orbit Japan for 8 hours a day so that at least one satellite will be flying over the country at all times.

GPS, owned by the US, has a margin of error of about 10 meters. When Michibiki and GPS are working in tandem, that margin will be reduced to just a few centimeters.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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