TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan achieved a successful launch of its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, identified as H3 Flight No. 9, took place at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, confirmed that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. JAXA also reported that the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7 contributes to the country’s satellite navigation infrastructure, known as QZSS. This satellite network offers positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System. Japan has been operating QZSS services since November 2018, with coverage extending over Japan and parts of the Asia-Oceania region. The program is managed by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Initially, JAXA scheduled the launch of QZS-7 for Feb. 1, 2026. However, the date was pushed back after the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025 prompted an investigation. An update in February indicated that the launch would not occur within the original window ending March 31. After further weather assessments, JAXA set a new target for Aug. 10, which was later moved to Aug. 11 due to weather conditions. The rocket successfully completed its mission on that date.
H3 Launch Program Continues After Previous Setback
The launch of Michibiki No. 5 on Dec. 22, 2025, by H3 Flight No. 8 from Tanegashima ended in failure. JAXA explained that the second-stage engine failed to ignite properly during its second ignition, shutting down prematurely. This malfunction prevented QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026, which successfully achieved its orbit and deployed several small payloads.
Designed to be Japan’s primary launch vehicle, the H3 replaces the H-IIA rocket family. Its development was a collaborative effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The initial H3 test flight in March 2023 failed due to the second-stage engine not igniting. However, a subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The H3 has since been used to carry government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA completed its final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima after fifty successful missions.
Expansion of Japan’s Navigation Capabilities with Michibiki
To enhance satellite positioning coverage, Japan developed QZSS to be compatible with GPS. The system utilizes satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, providing services such as positioning, navigation, and timing, along with several forms of augmentation. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the addition of QZS-7, which reflected the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure. Japan remains committed to maintaining a seven-satellite constellation for QZSS. Official technical documentation released prior to Tuesday’s launch describes QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The mission’s success on Aug. 11, confirmed by JAXA with both satellite separation and orbit insertion, marks a significant step forward. This successful launch also adds to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the successful H3 test flight in June.
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