Japan successfully launched a H-2A202 (SRB-A3) vehicle from the Tanegashima Launch Centre, Japan, carrying the Quazi Zenith Satellite 1R (QZS 1R), a navigational signals satellite built by Misibushi Electric Corp (MELCO) for the Japanese Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center (CSIC). The launch occurred at 0219 GMT on 26 October 2021. The 4,100 kg satellite which is also known as (MICHIBIKI 1R – “showing the way” ) will replace the original QZS 1 satellite in providing navigation signals to support the GPS system from a highly elliptical and inclined geosynchronous orbit over Japan.
H-2A202 launch of QZS 1R. Courtesy: Mitsibushi Heavy Industries
