On Saturday, September 11, 2010 Japan launched its first GPS satellite the "Michibiki", whose name means showing the way. This is the first in a series of satellites that will have the intent to improve accuracy of satellite navigation in the country (more specifically in the islands). Scientists hope satellite accuracy will be increased as the current satellites strength is diminished by mountains or skyscrapers. This will be a feature which will be widely used by drivers in Japan. Japan's system (QZSS) is only one of a number of satellite networks in the works by other countries to reduce dependence on the United States built and controlled NAVSTAR GPS network. Because of safety systems and commerce many countries have begun to take control of their own systems; including Russia's GLONASS, the European Galileo and even China intends on turning its COMPASS network into a global system. India plans to build a service as well. This isn't to surprising understanding all the growth that is occurring globally. Foreign nations want to depend less and less on the United States. This is a lot going on in the sky and makes you think about the United States and our position globally. Makes me wonder if it's possible to have contention over satellite position in space.
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