QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3)

Track QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3) now!
QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3) is classified as:

NORAD ID: 42917

Int'l Code: 2017-048A

Perigee: 35,786.2 km

Apogee: 35,803.2 km

Inclination: 0.1 °

Period: 1,436.1 minutes

Semi major axis: 42165 km

RCS: Unknown

Launch date: August 19, 2017
Source: Japan (JPN)
Launch site: TANEGASHIMA SPACE CENTER (TNSTA)

QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3) is a Japanese satellite designed to be part of a constellation of navigation aids to improve positioning services across the country. Michibiki means 'guiding' or 'showing the way' in Japanese. Built by Mitsubishi Electric, the navigation craft joins two similar satellites launched on H-2A rockets in September 2010 and in June of this year. Those previous spacecraft circle Earth in orbits tilted at an angle to the equator, causing them to oscillate north and south, but remain always fixed over the Asia-Pacific region.

1 42917U 17048A   24113.90257795 -.00000337  00000-0  00000-0 0  9992
2 42917   0.0548 172.2256 0002005 230.3994 260.7410  1.00268384 24383

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC