The ENRI has been participating Japanese national project developing QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) since FY 2003. The first space vehicle for QZSS named "Michibiki" has been launched successfully in September 2010, and since then, various experiments are conducted by participating organizations.
The QZS (quasi-zenith satellite) is circling on the inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) which draws ground track of "8"-figure. Employing such an orbit, the QZS is able to broadcast navigation signals from just above Japan as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2 illustrates that users under conditions which GPS and GEO signals are blocked by tall buildings and trees still can receive QZS signals broadcast from the zenith.
A combination of three QZS space vehicles makes it possible to broadcast navigation signals over the whole Japan from the zenith at all times. The QZSS means this combination of satellites and QZS-1 "Michibiki" launched in September 2010 is planned to be the first satellite of this system.
![]() Figure 1: Ground Track of QZS |
![]() Figure 2: Signals from QZSS |
The QZSS will provide roughly two functions as follows:
The QZSS broadcasts GPS-like navigation signals and increases navigation satellite available for users. Note: The existing GPS receivers cannot receive supplement navigation signals from "Michibiki." You need a new receiver capable to receive QZS signals.
The QZSS broadcasts augmentation signals and improves navigation performance of users. Note: The existing GPS receivers cannot receive augmentation signals from "Michibiki." You need a new receiver capable to receive QZS signals.
In order to achieve these functions, "Michibiki" broadcasts navigation signals listed in Table 1. All of these signals are broadcast simultaneously.
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*May be changed for QZS-2 and later. |
QZS-L1-C/A, QZS-L1C, QZS-L2C, and QZS-L5 are supplement signals. Each of them is very similar with a GPS signal of the same name, however, existing GPS receivers cannot receive QZS signals.
Both augmentation signals, QZS-L1-SAIF and QZS-LEX, offer supplement function as well as augmentation function. QZS-L1-SAIF (submeter-class augmentation with integrity function) signal broadcasts augmentation information of submeter-class accuracy. The RF specification of QZS-L1-SAIF signal is identical with the SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) which is the international standard augmentation system defined by the ICAO (international civil aviation organization). However, PRN code is different from the SBAS, so existing GPS and/or GPS/SBAS receivers do not receive QZS-L1-SAIF signal. On contrast, QZS-LEX (L-band experiment) signal is defined originally for QZSS and of course existing GPS receivers do not aware of this signal. The purpose of this augmentation signal is enabling highly accurate positioning for survey application.
All signals broadcast from "Michibiki" are defined and explained by the IS-QZSS (interface specification) document issued by JAXA.
L1-SAIF (submeter-class augmentation with integrity function) signal is designed to broadcast augmentation information of submeter-class accuracy. The RF specification of QZS-L1-SAIF signal is identical with the SBAS (satellite-based augmentation system) which is the international standard augmentation system defined by the ICAO (international civil aviation organization). However, PRN code is different from the SBAS, so existing GPS and/or GPS/SBAS receivers do not receive QZS-L1-SAIF signal. The ENRI has been responsible of development of L1-SAIF signal.
Augmentation information of L1-SAIF is broadcast as a sequence of messages. L1-SAIF carries one message per one second. Each message is idenified by Message Type which is a number between 0 to 63. The order of messages is not defined. Each message consists of 250 bits and synchronizes with beginning of every seconds of GPS time. Figure 3 illustrates the structure of the message which contains preamble of 8 bits, Message Type of 6 bits, data contents of 212 bits, and CRC parity of 24 bits. Meaning of each bit within data contents is defined with respect to message type, see IS-QZSS here.
There are two kinds of L1-SAIF messages: SBAS-compliant messages (Message Types 0 to 28, 62, and 63) and extended messages (Message Types 52 to 60). SBAS-compliant messages are identical with the messages defined in SBAS standard. Submeter-class augmentation is achieved by using only SBAS-compliant messages. Extended messages are used for advanced augmentation and receivers may or may not apply extended messages. We are conducting experiments and validation of extended messages and their formats are, so far, tentative.
Existing receivers need to be modified to receive and process L1-SAIF messages. If you already have SBAS-capable receivers, you need very small software modification to make it also capable of L1-SAIF because basic augmentation information is carried by SBAS-compliant messages.
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Note: This result is based on survey-grade receiver and antenna.
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Figure 4 shows example of statistics of user position error with and without L1-SAIF augmentation (Only SBAS-compliant messages and no use of supplement function of "Michibiki"). Red plots indicate results of GPS standalone positioning while Green ones associate with L1-SAIF augmentation. Large errors which appear frequently in case without augmentation are reduced within roughly 1 meter by applying augmentation information. Note that this result is obtained with survey-grade receiver and antenna, and generally the performance of augmentation depends upon the surrounding environment and characteristics of receiver and antenna.
L1-SAIF broadcast capability of "Michibiki" is shared by ENRI
Table 2 lists experiment periods assigned for ENRI. On the usual operation, broadcast of L1-SAIF begins before noon of the first day of each experiment period and stops in the evening the last day. However, broadcast may stop frequently whenever necessary due to needs of the experiment. Note that broadcast information is generated for experimental purpose and there is not any guarantee on the augmentation performance.
ID | Start Date | Stop Date | Status | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
E10-1 | 2010-12-13 | 2010-12-24 | Complete | Confirm L1-SAIF transmission |
E10-2 | 2011-01-11 | 2011-01-21 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E10-3 | 2011-02-07 | 2011-02-18 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E10-4 | 2011-03-14 | 2011-03-25 | Cancel | Canceled due to earthquake |
E11-1 | 2011-04-11 | 2011-04-15 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-2 | 2011-05-09 | 2011-05-13 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-3 | 2011-06-20 | 2011-06-24 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-4 | 2011-07-18 | 2011-07-22 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-5 | 2011-08-15 | 2011-08-19 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-6 | 2011-08-29 | 2011-09-02 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-7 | 2011-10-10 | 2011-10-14 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E11-8 | 2011-11-05 | 2011-11-11 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E11-9 | 2011-12-12 | 2011-12-19 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E11-10 | 2012-01-09 | 2012-01-13 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E11-11 | 2012-01-23 | 2012-01-25 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E11-12 | 2012-02-06 | 2012-02-10 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E11-13 | 2012-03-05 | 2012-03-10 | Complete | Observe position accuracy with L1-SAIF augmentation |
E12-1 | 2012-04-02 | 2012-04-06 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-2 | 2012-04-20 | 2012-04-27 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-3 | 2012-05-07 | 2012-05-11 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-4 | 2012-05-21 | 2012-05-25 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-5 | 2012-06-04 | 2012-06-08 | Complete | Timing alignment of L1-SAIF transmission |
E12-6 | 2012-06-18 | 2012-06-22 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-7 | 2012-07-02 | 2012-07-06 | Complete | Timing alignment of L1-SAIF transmission |
E12-8 | 2012-07-16 | 2012-07-23 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-9 | 2012-07-30 | 2012-08-03 | Complete | Timing alignment of L1-SAIF transmission |
E12-10 | 2012-08-13 | 2012-08-17 | Cancel | Summer vacation |
E12-11 | 2012-08-20 | 2012-08-24 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-12 | 2012-09-03 | 2012-09-07 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-13 | 2012-09-17 | 2012-09-21 | Cancel | SPAC uses L1-SAIF signal |
E12-14 | 2012-10-01 | 2012-10-05 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-15 | 2012-10-15 | 2012-10-19 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-16 | 2012-10-29 | 2012-11-02 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-17 | 2012-11-12 | 2012-11-16 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-18 | 2012-11-26 | 2012-11-30 | Cancel | Autumn vacation |
E12-19 | 2012-12-11 | 2012-12-14 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-20 | 2012-12-22 | 2013-01-09 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E12-21 | 2013-01-12 | 2013-01-18 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E12-22 | 2013-02-04 | 2013-02-07 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-23 | 2013-02-08 | 2013-02-15 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E12-24 | 2013-02-25 | 2013-03-01 | Complete | Broadcast ephemeris information by L1-SAIF |
E12-25 | 2013-03-11 | 2013-03-15 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E12-26 | 2013-03-25 | 2013-03-29 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-1 | 2013-04-22 | 2013-04-26 | Cancel | Administrative issue |
E13-2 | 2013-05-27 | 2013-05-31 | Cancel | Administrative issue |
E13-3 | 2013-06-24 | 2013-06-28 | Cancel | Administrative issue |
E13-4 | 2013-07-08 | 2013-07-12 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-5 | 2013-07-22 | 2013-07-26 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-6 | 2013-08-05 | 2013-08-09 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-7 | 2013-08-19 | 2013-08-23 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-8 | 2013-09-02 | 2013-09-05 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-9 | 2013-09-30 | 2013-10-04 | Complete | GPS+GLONASS+QZSS Augmentation |
E13-10 | 2013-11-20 | 2013-11-22 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-11 | 2013-11-25 | 2013-11-29 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-12 | 2013-12-09 | 2013-12-13 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-13 | 2013-12-23 | 2013-12-27 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-14 | 2014-01-06 | 2014-01-10 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-15 | 2014-01-20 | 2014-01-24 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-16 | 2014-02-03 | 2014-02-07 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-17 | 2014-02-17 | 2014-02-21 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-18 | 2014-03-03 | 2014-03-07 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-19 | 2014-03-17 | 2014-03-21 | Tentative | TBD |
E13-20 | 2014-03-31 | 2014-04-04 | Tentative | TBD |
Recording format is idential with $FRMA record NovAtel OEM-3 receivers.
Format: | $FRMA,week,time,prn,data...*sum | ||
week | Week number (10 LSBs) | ||
time | Time of week (Reception time of the first bit of the message) [s] | ||
prn | PRN number by which the message is broadcast | ||
data... | Message contents (64 hexadecimal chars for 250 bits; The first bit of the message is stored as MSB of the first char) | ||
sum | Checksum (XOR of chars between next of '$' and just before '*') |
Directory QZS-1 L1-SAIFiPRN183j
ENRI just began continuous observation of "Michibiki" as well as other GNSS satellites including GPS and GLONASS with triple frequencies. Raw observation is converted into the RINEX format and stored here. Equipment and conditions of observation are described below.
Receiver | JAVAD ALPHA-G3T | |
Antenna Location | Top of the tower of No.6 Building, ENRI | |
35.679518936N 139.560964491E 109.1971m from ellipsoid | ||
X=-3947737.9910 Y=3364428.7640 Z=3699428.9764 | ||
Antenna | Trimble Zephyr Geodetic 2 (L1/L2/L5) | |
Target SV | GPS, GLONASS, SBAS, QZSS |
In addition, navigation messages broadcast on ranging signals of L1 frequency are decoded and stored here. This information is archived in EMS format explained below.
Format: | PRN YY MM DD HH MM SS TT data... | |||||||
PRN | PRN number by which the message is broadcast | |||||||
YY MM DD | Date | |||||||
HH MM SS | Time (Transmission of the first bit of the message) | |||||||
TT |
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data... | Message contents (Hexadecimal; The first bit of the message is stored as MSB of the first char) | |||||||
Message length = GPS/QZSS: 300 bits (6s), GLONASS: 100 bits (2s), SBAS/SAIF: 250 bits (1s) |
Directory RINEX Files (Range measurements)
Directory EMS Files (Broadcast message)
Note 1:
Sometimes there is missing data due to some reason such as power outage.
Note 2:
Before 2012-01-23, a little part of data may be missing due to some limitation of the receiver. This problem is fixed on data collected after 2012-01-23.
Copyright (C) 2011-13, ENRI - For comments or suggestion, please contact: sakai@enri.go.jp