QZSS Satellite Bus
Data current as of 2026-07-20.
The QZSS bus accounts for 6 cataloged objects, of which 6 are in orbit and 5 are active. Most are built by MELCO. The largest operator on this bus is NUSS/JAXA. The first launched in 2010, the most recent in 2025.
6
In orbit
5
Active
6
Total launched
0
Reentered
QZSS launched per year
Still in orbit Click a year to list its satellites.
Typical specifications
Most common values across cataloged QZSS satellites.
| Manufacturer | MELCO |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Navigation |
| Launch mass | 4020 kg |
| Dry mass | 1802 kg |
| Length | 6.2 m |
| Diameter | 2.9 m |
| Span | 25.3 m |
| Shape | Box + 2 Pan |
| Power | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Propulsion | LAPS-500 |
| Design life | 15 years |
| Equipment | transponders |
| Typical orbit | 1436 min period, 0° inclination |
Top operators
NUSS/JAXA 5 JAXA/SPAC 1
Top countries
J 6
QZSS satellites
Track any of them live in KeepTrack.
| Name | NORAD | COSPAR | Owner | Launched | Orbit | Status | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QZS-6 (MICHIBIKI-6) Michibiki-6 | 62876 | 2025-023A | NUSS/JAXA | Feb 2, 2025 | 1436 min, 0.0° | Active | ◉ |
| QZS-1R (MICHIBIKI-1R) Michibiki Shogoki Kokei-ki | 49336 | 2021-096A | NUSS/JAXA | Oct 26, 2021 | 1436 min, 37.5° | Active | ◉ |
| QZS-4 (MICHIBIKI-4) Michibiki-4 | 42965 | 2017-062A | NUSS/JAXA | Oct 9, 2017 | 1436 min, 40.1° | Active | ◉ |
| QZS-3 (MICHIBIKI-3) Michibiki-3 | 42917 | 2017-048A | NUSS/JAXA | Aug 19, 2017 | 1436 min, 0.1° | Active | ◉ |
| QZS-2 (MICHIBIKI-2) Michibiki-2 | 42738 | 2017-028A | NUSS/JAXA | Jun 1, 2017 | 1436 min, 39.4° | Active | ◉ |
| QZS-1 (MICHIBIKI-1) Michibiki | 37158 | 2010-045A | JAXA/SPAC | Sep 11, 2010 | 1642 min, 44.3° | Inactive | ◉ |
Frequently asked questions
How many QZSS satellites are there?
The catalog lists 6 objects built on the QZSS bus. 6 are in orbit and 0 have reentered.
How many QZSS satellites are in orbit?
6 QZSS objects are currently in orbit, of which 5 carry an active status.
Who builds the QZSS bus?
The QZSS bus is most commonly built by MELCO.
When did the first QZSS satellite launch?
The first cataloged QZSS satellite launched in 2010, and the most recent in 2025.