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MTSAT Satellite Augmentation System
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<p>Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MTSAT or MSAS) is a Japanese <a href="/facts/Satellite_based_augmentation_system/cNrjcVVv">satellite based augmentation system</a> (SBAS), i.e. a <a href="/facts/Satellite_navigation_system/lVgPlF5v">satellite navigation system</a> which supports <a href="/facts/Differential_GPS/qBGqMBqo">differential GPS</a> (DGPS) to supplement the <a href="/facts/GPS/DKVLnzF3">GPS</a> system by reporting (then improving) on the reliability and accuracy of those signals. MSAS is operated by Japan's <a href="/facts/Ministry_of_Land,_Infrastructure,_Transport_and_Tourism/KRyyTqvh">Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport</a> and <a href="/facts/Japan_Civil_Aviation_Bureau/5YMCv0zD">Civil Aviation Bureau</a> (JCAB). MSAS was commissioned for aviation use on 27 September 2007. </p><p>The use of SBASs, such as MSAS, enables an individual GPS receiver to correct its own position, offering a much greater accuracy. Typically GPS signal accuracy is improved from some 20 meters to approximately 1.5–2 meters in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. </p> <table><tbody><tr><th>Satellite Name & Details</th><th>NMEA / PRN</th><th>Location</th><th>Launched</th></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Multi-Functional_Transport_Satellite/N0p1wGGL">MTSAT-1R</a> (Himawari 6)</td><td>NMEA #42 / PRN #129</td><td>140°E</td><td>26 February 2005</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/facts/Multi-Functional_Transport_Satellite/N0p1wGGL">MTSAT-2</a> (Himawari 7)</td><td>NMEA #50 / PRN #137</td><td>145°E</td><td>18 February 2006</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>MSAS provides a similar service to <a href="/facts/Wide_Area_Augmentation_System/DghMfANs">Wide Area Augmentation System</a> (WAAS) in North America, <a href="/facts/European_Geostationary_Navigation_Overlay_Service/NQknSIK8">European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service</a> (EGNOS) in Europe and <a href="/facts/System_for_Differential_Corrections_and_Monitoring/eqaGPnC1">System for Differential Corrections and Monitoring</a> (SDCM) in Russia. </p>