Michibiki

2018: System Startup

At the end of October 2018, Japan officially launched its global positioning system called Michibiki. This analogue of GLONASS is said to complement GPS and works more accurately on American technology.

By the end of October 2018, Michibiki uses four orbital satellites. The last among them was launched exactly a year earlier.

Signals from these satellites come at an angle that avoids interference from skyscrapers. Smartphones and car navigators that catch the signal will show the location more accurately and stably, said NHK.

Michibiki satellite

Michibiki satellites also emit a special tracking signal that allows you to determine the location of objects on Earth with an error of no more than 6 cm  . At the same time, a high degree of encryption of signals helps to reliably protect them from interference that can be created by unfriendly states or terrorist organizations.

The accuracy  of GPS measurements can exceed 10-15 meters, depending on the equipment used, data processing methodology and other factors.  Although in most cases this is enough, in some cases more is required: for example, when an autonomous drone moves quickly enough above the earth's surface.

For several years, the Michibiki system will serve as an addition to the American GPS, but from 2023, after all the planned satellites are put into orbit, it will become independent.

It is assumed that Japanese technology will be used in unmanned vehicles and fully automated agricultural equipment, such as tractors and rice harvesting machines. In addition, experts prophesy Michibiki a great future when used by delivery services, for example, using drones.^[1]

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