TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan achieved a successful launch of its H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. 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, verified that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. According to the agency, the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and delivered QZS-7 into the 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 operated QZSS services since November 2018. The system serves Japan and can also extend support to users across various parts of the Asia-Oceania region. Oversight of the QZSS program is managed by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Originally, JAXA scheduled the QZS-7 mission for February 1, 2026. However, that launch was postponed following an investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update issued in February indicated that the mission would not occur during the initial launch window ending March 31. After further weather assessments, JAXA set a new target date of August 10. Weather conditions then pushed the launch to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed the mission.
H3 mission follows prior launch failure
On December 22, 2025, H3 Flight No. 8 launched Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima, but the mission ended in failure. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine failed to ignite properly during its second attempt and shut down prematurely. Consequently, the rocket was unable to place QZS-5 into its intended orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches on June 12, 2026, with Flight No. 6. This test flight successfully reached its designated orbit and deployed several 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 first H3 test flight ended in failure in March 2023 after the second-stage engine did not ignite. A subsequent test succeeded in February 2024. The later missions of H3 have launched government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA family completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Michibiki enhances Japan’s satellite navigation capabilities
Japan developed QZSS to improve satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS. The system employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits to provide its services, which include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office released updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the commencement of QZS-7 operations. This update reflects the satellites available after the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan still plans to maintain a seven-satellite QZSS constellation, with official technical documents issued prior to Tuesday’s launch describing QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The mission on August 11 met its initial launch objectives, with JAXA confirming both the separation of the spacecraft and their insertion into the targeted orbit. The successful H3 Flight No. 9 adds another accomplishment to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the successful test flight of H3 in June.