Quasi-Zenith Satellite System – Page 2

Photos: Japan’s H-2A rocket prepared for launch with Michibiki 2

May 31, 2017 Stephen Clark

The second satellite in Japan’s regional space-based navigation constellation is set for launch Thursday aboard an H-2A rocket, and these photos show the hydrogen-fueled launcher’s preparations for liftoff, from stacking inside an assembly hangar at the Tanegashima Space Center through rollout to the launch pad.

Live coverage: H-2A rocket lifts off from Japan with navigation satellite

May 31, 2017 Stephen Clark

A Japanese H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 0017:46 GMT Thursday (8:17:46 p.m. EDT Wednesday) with the Michibiki 2 navigation satellite designed to improve positioning and timing services over Japan.

Japanese rocket scheduled for launch with navigation satellite

May 30, 2017 Stephen Clark

A Japanese H-2A rocket is set for launch Thursday with the country’s second navigation satellite, growing a network of beacons in the sky to give emergency responders, security forces and the public more accurate positioning and timing signals in Japan and neighboring regions.