TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The rocket, designated H3 Flight No. 9, took off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. JAXA confirmed that the launch vehicle followed its planned route throughout the entire mission. The satellite separated approximately 29 minutes after lift-off and reached its assigned orbit.
Also known as QZS-7, Michibiki No. 7 joins Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network supplements the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance accuracy in positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan began operating QZSS services in November 2018. The system not only covers Japan but also extends support to users across portions of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Originally, the launch of QZS-7 was scheduled for February 2026, but it was postponed following an earlier H3 mission failure. After additional preparations, JAXA set a new target for the launch on August 10. Due to weather conditions, the liftoff was delayed to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 Achieves Another Successful Mission After Setback
This success follows the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. During that flight, the second-stage engine shut down before completing its second ignition, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its target orbit. JAXA conducted a thorough investigation into the failure before resuming H3 launches, starting with a successful test flight in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6, launched on June 12, reached its designated orbit during the return-to-flight operation. It also carried out the deployment of several small payloads in the process. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA series. JAXA developed the H3 in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of Japan’s efforts to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Satellite Navigation Infrastructure
Designed to improve satellite positioning coverage, QZSS maintains compatibility with GPS services. Its constellation features satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, supporting positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services within its operational area. In July, the Cabinet Office provided updated technical details on operations involving a six-satellite configuration, which includes QZS-7.
Japan continues to plan for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation under its official satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is part of ongoing efforts to expand the Michibiki network. The successful deployment on Tuesday achieved its immediate objectives by placing the satellite into the designated orbit. This launch also marked the completion of another H3 mission following the rocket’s return to flight in June.