the atomic clock-less technology which might be employed in the second generation QZSS. The mentioned QZSS TKS technology is a novel satellite timekeeping system which does not require on-board atomic clocks as used by existing navigation satellite systems such as BeiDou, Galileo, Global Positioning System (GPS), GLONASS or NavIC system. This concept is differentiated by the employment of a synchronization framework combined with lightweight steerable on-board clocks which act as transponders re-broadcasting the precise time remotely provided by the time synchronization network located on the ground. This allows the system to operate optimally when satellites are in direct contact with the ground station, making it suitable for a system like the Japanese QZSS. Low satellite mass and low satellite manufacturing and launch cost are significant advantages of this system. An outline of this concept as well as two possible implementations of the time synchronization network for QZSS were studied and published in Remote Synchronization Method for the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System and Remote Synchronization Method for the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System: study of a novel satellite timekeeping system which does not require on-board atomic clocks. See also Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS) Inclined orbit Tundra orbit References Petrovski, Ivan G. QZSS - Japan's New Integrated Communication and Positioning Service for Mobile Users. GPS World Online. 1 June 2003 Kallender-Umezu, Paul. Japan Seeking 13 Percent Budget Hike for Space Activities. Space.com 7 September 2004 QZSS / MSAS Status Kogure, Satoshi. Presentation at the 47th Meeting of the Civil Global Positioning System Service Interface Committee (CGSIC) 25 September 2007 External links Government Of Japan QZSS site JAXA QZSS site JAXA MICHIBIKI data site JAXA MICHIBIKI data site, English subsite JAXA Quasi-Zenith Satellite-1 "MICHIBIKI" JAXA MICHIBIKI Special Site ESA Navipedia QZSS article Navigation satellite constellations Satellite-based augmentation systems Space program of Japan Spacecraft launched by H-II rockets