'MICHIBIKI' Begins Providing Positioning Signals

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed that the quality and reliability for positioning signals (L1-C/A and L2C) of the First Quasi-Zenith Satellite (QZS) "MICHIBIKI" satisfied the QZS system user interface specifications (IS-QZSS) through technological verification, thus lifting the alert flag for the L1-C/A and L2C positioning signals on 22nd June 2011.

The alert flag for the remaining positioning signals (L5 and L1C) will be removed after their compliance with the IS-QZSS is verified. As the alert flags were dismissed, a GPS receiver corresponding to the MICHIBIKI will be able to use MICHIBIKI's positioning signals for its calculations.

JAXA is engaging in promotional activities to develop a commercial GPS receiver that corresponds to the MICHIBIKI including a programme called "supporting system for corresponding a commercial GPS receiver with the QZSS (QZ-support.)"

JAXA expect to expand the environment where people can enjoy MICHIBIKI's effectiveness through lifting the alert flags and popularisation of receivers corresponding to the MICHIBIKI.

Alert flag 1 L1-C/A and L2C: GPS supplementary signals. It is possible to use both positioning signals reciprocally from the current GPS and the MICHIBIKI.
Alert flag 2: A flag that indicates that positioning signals from the MICHIBIKI cannot be usable (alert status.) In the alert status, general users cannot use signals from the MICHIBIKI for their positioning calculations even if they receive them. Alert flags may be set again for satellite operations such as orbit andattitude control, and technological verification. Operation and test schedule are available at http://qz-vision.jaxa.jp/ .
Alert flag 3 L5 and L1C: GPS supplementary signals. They can be used reciprocally with new positioning signals that are based on the modernisation plan of the GPS.

Current status of commercial GPS receivers corresponding to MICHIBIKI