TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The H3 Flight No. 9 lifted off 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 stated the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and successfully placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7 is part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, known as QZSS. The 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, providing coverage for Japan and supporting regions within the Asia-Oceania area. The system is managed by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Originally, the QZS-7 mission was scheduled for February 1, 2026. However, it was postponed following the investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February indicated that the launch would not occur before the earlier deadline of March 31. After further weather evaluations, JAXA set a new target for August 10. Weather conditions then shifted the launch to August 11, when the mission was successfully completed.
H3 mission comes after previous launch failure
The launch of Michibiki No. 5 aboard H3 Flight No. 8 from Tanegashima on December 22, 2025, ended in failure. JAXA explained that the second-stage engine did not ignite properly during its second attempt and shut down prematurely, preventing the satellite QZS-5 from reaching its planned orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches on June 12, 2026, with Flight No. 6, which successfully reached its orbit and deployed multiple small payloads.
The H3 now serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the H-IIA series. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The initial H3 test flight failed in March 2023 due to a second-stage engine ignition issue, but a subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. Since then, H3 has launched government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA completed its final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s navigation network with Michibiki
Designed to improve satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS, QZSS utilizes satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation methods. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the start of QZS-7 operations, reflecting the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan remains committed to a seven-satellite constellation for QZSS. Official technical documents released prior to Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The August 11 mission achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both the separation of the satellites and their placement into the intended orbit. The successful H3 Flight No. 9 adds another milestone to Japan’s launch program, following the successful test flight in June.