The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have launched a new satellite, named Michibiki, to enhance GPS coverage over the country.

Michibiki, the first quasi-zenith satellite, was launched atop a H-IIA rocket from the Tanegashima Space Centre and separated from the launcher after 28 minutes of lift-off, according to AFP.

JAXA hopes the satellite will boost the accuracy and coverage of GPS.

The Japanese space agency intended to launch three such satellites, with one always above Japan.