TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan’s H3 rocket carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into its designated orbit, marking a successful launch. 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, confirmed that the satellite was separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. The agency also stated that the rocket adhered to its planned flight trajectory and placed QZS-7 into the intended orbit.
Part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7 is integral to the QZSS network. 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 primarily serves Japan but can also extend support to users throughout 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 launch for February 1, 2026. However, the date was postponed due to an investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update issued in February indicated that the launch would not occur within the initial period ending March 31. After further weather assessments, JAXA set a new launch date for August 10, which was later shifted to August 11 due to weather conditions. The rocket successfully completed its mission on that date.
H3 Launch Program Continues After Previous Setback
The failed H3 Flight No. 8 launched Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima on December 22, 2025. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine’s second ignition did not proceed normally and shut down prematurely, preventing the satellite from reaching its planned orbit. Following this setback, Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026. This successful test flight achieved its target orbit and deployed multiple small payloads.
As Japan’s newest primary launch vehicle, the H3 replaces the H-IIA series. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight failed in March 2023 because its second-stage engine did not ignite. A subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The H3 has since carried government payloads, Earth observation instruments, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA family completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s Navigation Capabilities with Michibiki
Designed to enhance satellite positioning coverage and maintain compatibility with GPS, Japan’s QZSS system employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services encompass positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office released updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase, which includes QZS-7, following the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan maintains plans for a seven-satellite constellation for QZSS. Technical documents released prior to Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The mission on August 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both satellite separation and insertion into the planned orbit. The successful launch of H3 Flight No. 9 also adds another completed mission to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the successful test flight of the H3 in June.