Official U.S. government information about the
Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics
Joint Announcement on
United States–Japan GPS Cooperation
January 27, 2006
This Joint Announcement was released at the conclusion of the annual U.S.-Japan Consultations on the Use of the Global Positioning System held January 27, 2006, in Tokyo, Japan.
The Government of the United States of America and the Government of Japan convened a plenary meeting in Tokyo on January 27, 2006 to review and discuss matters of importance regarding cooperation in the civil use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and its augmentations. Such consultations are held regularly pursuant to the "Joint Statement on Cooperation in the Use of the Global Positioning System" issued by the then heads of the two Governments on September 22, 1998.
During the meeting, the United States representatives explained the National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Policy authorized by President Bush on December 8, 2004. They also described the status of GPS modernization and the United States' international cooperation with third parties. Both Governments reaffirmed the importance of providing open access, free of direct user fees, to space-based PNT services for peaceful purposes.
The Japanese representatives outlined the status of the Multi-functional Transport Satellite (MTSAT) Satellite-based Augmentation System (MSAS) and the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). Representatives of both Governments reviewed the ongoing work of the U.S. - Japan GPS/QZSS Technical Working Group, which was established for close cooperation during development of QZSS. The Technical Working Group concluded that GPS and QZSS are designed to be fully interoperable and compatible. The Government of Japan proposed collaboration on the use of monitoring stations. The United States Government welcomed Japan's proposal and agreed to work closely on this matter.
Today's consultations strengthened cooperative relations between the United States and Japan. Both Governments acknowledged the important potential contribution of QZSS to the space-based PNT services of Japan. They affirmed that continued close cooperation in the area of satellite navigation will contribute to the peaceful development of the Asia - Pacific region and promote global economic growth.
