TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched the H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The flight, identified as H3 Flight No. 9, took 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 was separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after launch. The agency also stated that 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 operate in conjunction with the U.S. Global Positioning System. Since November 2018, Japan has been providing QZSS services. The system primarily serves Japan and can also support users across various parts of the Asia-Oceania region. Oversight of the QZSS program falls under Japan’s Cabinet Office, managed through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Initially, JAXA scheduled the QZS-7 mission for Feb. 1, 2026. However, the launch was postponed while officials investigated the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February stated that the mission would not occur within the original launch window, which was set to end on March 31. After further weather evaluations, JAXA planned a new attempt for Aug. 10. Poor weather then moved the launch date to Aug. 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight.
H3 Launch Sequence Follows Previous Setback
H3 Flight No. 8 launched Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima on Dec. 22, 2025, but the mission ended in failure. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine failed to ignite normally during its second ignition attempt and shut down prematurely. As a result, the rocket did not succeed in placing QZS-5 into its planned orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches on June 12, 2026, with Flight No. 6. This test flight achieved its target orbit and deployed several small payloads successfully.
The H3 launch vehicle now serves as Japan’s primary rocket, replacing the H-IIA family. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The initial H3 test flight failed in March 2023 due to an engine ignition issue in the second stage. A subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The later missions of H3 have launched government, Earth observation, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Michibiki Bolsters Japan’s Satellite Navigation Capabilities
Japan designed QZSS to enhance satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS. The system utilizes satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, and timing, along with several forms of augmentation. The Cabinet Office issued updated performance data in July for a six-satellite operational phase following the start of QZS-7 operations. This phase accounts for the satellites available after the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan maintains plans for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation. Official technical documents released before Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s ongoing expansion. The Aug. 11 mission accomplished its immediate launch goals, with JAXA confirming both satellite separation and insertion into the targeted orbit. The successful H3 Flight No. 9 adds another milestone to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the successful test flight in June.