Geostationary
QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3)
Navigation / GEO Component (QZSS) · JAXA / Cabinet Office Japan
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The geostationary component of Japan's Michibiki constellation — parked permanently at 127°E over the Pacific. QZS-3 provides constant GPS augmentation signals over Japan without the orbital motion of the quasi-zenith satellites, providing redundancy and ensuring that Japan always has at least one Michibiki satellite nearly overhead. It also carries experimental Ka-band inter-satellite links and a Search and Rescue payload to relay distress signals from maritime emergencies.
Its orbit
- Orbit
- Geostationaryappears to hang motionless over one spot on the equator
- Altitude
- 22,238–22,246 mi (35,789–35,802 km)
- Inclination
- 0.1°
- One orbit
- 23.9 hoursabout one orbit a day
- NORAD ID
- 42917
- Int’l designator
- 2017-048A
- Launched
- 2017
Orbital elements from CelesTrak, as of 22 Sep 2026.
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