TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Japan launched its H3 rocket successfully on Tuesday, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into space. H3 Flight No. 9 lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. JAXA said the launch vehicle followed its planned trajectory throughout the mission. The satellite separated about 29 minutes after liftoff and entered its predetermined orbit.
Michibiki No. 7 expands Japan’s QZSS satellite navigation network. (AI-generated image)
Michibiki No. 7, also known as QZS-7, joins Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. The network works alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to improve positioning, navigation and timing services. Japan began operational QZSS services in November 2018. The system covers Japan and also supports users across parts of the wider Asia-Oceania region.
Japan’s Cabinet Office manages the QZSS program through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Officials had planned the QZS-7 launch for February 2026 before postponing it after an earlier H3 mission failure. JAXA later set a new launch attempt for Aug. 10 after completing additional preparations. Weather conditions pushed the liftoff to Aug. 11, when the rocket completed the mission.
H3 returns with another successful mission
The successful flight followed the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. During that mission, the rocket’s second-stage engine stopped before completing its planned second ignition sequence. The problem prevented QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA investigated the failure before resuming H3 launches with a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6 lifted off on June 12 and reached its planned orbit during that return-to-flight mission. It also deployed several small payloads during the test. The H3 serves as Japan’s main launch vehicle and replaces the long-running H-IIA rocket family. JAXA developed the system with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as Japan expanded domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki strengthens Japan’s satellite positioning system
Japan designed QZSS to improve satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS services. The constellation uses satellites placed in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. It supports positioning, navigation, timing and several augmentation services for users within its coverage area. The Cabinet Office updated technical information in July covering operations under a six-satellite configuration involving QZS-7.
Japan also maintains plans for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation under its published satellite navigation program. QZS-7 forms part of that continuing expansion of the Michibiki network. Tuesday’s launch met its immediate mission targets after the rocket placed the spacecraft into its designated orbit. The result also marked another completed H3 mission after the launch vehicle returned to flight in June.