Latest: Newly Launched Japan GPS Satellite To Guide Self-Driving Cars.

The Japanese GPS Satellite Been Launched
Latest: Newly Launched Japan GPS Satellite To Guide Self-Driving Cars.

Just of recent, Japan has just fulfilled a key part of its space ambitions, and it will have some important ramifications for everything ranging from self-driving cars down to self-defense. The country, Japan has launched its fourth Michibiki satellite, which expands a "quasi-zenith" system designed to provide greater access to GPS (Global Positioning System) in urban 'canyons' where buildings tend to block signals from lower-orbit satellites. Needless to say, that is vital for autonomous vehicles that need GPS to get their bearings right in a country dominated by sprawling cities.

The military might want it, too. While Japan's armed forces are largely focused mainly on defense, this newly launched fourth quasi-zenith satellite could help those calling on the nation to buy cruise missiles as a deterrent to North Korea. If the North ever launches a strike, Japan could easily use the GPS-guided missiles in retaliation. However, there have been a lot of objections over the militarization of space (Japan banned military uses for 39 years, until 2008), but North Korea's fast-growing belligerence might see the satellite once more find use for combat.

However, as it stands, Japan has plenty of other peaceful purposes, it could help with GPS-guided farm equipment, and importantly, it will help Japan reduce its dependence on American satellites. So finally, the ultimate goal is to operate a cluster of seven Michibiki satellites by the year 2023, which should be enough to offer true independence.

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