QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3)

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QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3) is classified as:

NORAD ID: 42917

Int'l Code: 2017-048A

Perigee: 35,786.4 km

Apogee: 35,804.4 km

Inclination: 0.1 °

Period: 1,436.2 minutes

Semi major axis: 42166 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   24117.93508738 -.00000335  00000-0  00000-0 0  9993
2 42917   0.0591 159.3949 0002137 251.5683 268.0146  1.00265921 24428

Source of the keplerian elements: AFSPC