Image: Todd Maki, United State Air Force
On Jan. 17, the Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate (SDACP) of the Space Systems Command (SSC) of the United States Space Force (USSF) delivered the first of two payloads to Japan, as a part of the launch of two United States-hosted payloads on Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). This is a historic partnership between Japan’s National Space Policy Secretariat (NSPS) and the USSF, which follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2021.
As the payloads arrive in Japan, the program will move onto the next stage of integrating the two QZSS host satellites and preparing for launch. The two launches will expand the QZSS constellation to a total of seven satellites.
The QZSS hosted payload (QZSS-HP) is central to the USSF priority of expanding cooperation to contribute to integrated deterrence and international security. The mission has been supported by SSC since its inception in 2018 to forge a partnership with Japan.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Laboratories (MIT/LL) is the primary payload developer for the QZSS-HP. MIT/LL and USSF personnel will travel to Japan to support the integration and test efforts with Japanese partners until both QZSS host satellites are launched.