TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – The launch of Japan’s H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite was successfully accomplished on Tuesday. The vehicle, designated H3 Flight No. 9, lifted off 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. The agency confirmed that the rocket followed its planned trajectory and placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7 is a 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 been operating QZSS services since November 2018. The system provides coverage for Japan and can also support users across various regions of Asia and Oceania. The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Initially, JAXA scheduled the QZS-7 mission for Feb. 1, 2026. However, that launch was postponed following the investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February indicated that the mission would not proceed within the original launch window ending March 31. After additional weather assessments, JAXA rescheduled the launch for Aug. 10, but weather conditions shifted the date to Aug. 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight.
H3 mission follows previous launch setback
On Dec. 22, 2025, H3 Flight No. 8 launched Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima but failed to achieve its objectives. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine did not complete its second ignition normally and shut down prematurely. As a result, QZS-5 was not placed into its planned orbit. The H3 was brought back into operation with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026. This test flight reached its designated orbit and deployed several small payloads.
The H3 is Japan’s new primary launch vehicle, replacing the H-IIA series. Its development involved collaboration between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight in March 2023 ended in failure when its second-stage engine failed to ignite. A subsequent successful test occurred in February 2024. H3 has since launched government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA, Japan’s previous main launcher, completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s Navigation Network with Michibiki
QZSS was designed to enhance Japan’s satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS. The system employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data 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 remains committed to a seven-satellite configuration for the QZSS constellation. Official technical documentation released prior to Tuesday’s launch describes QZS-7 as a key component of the network’s latest expansion. The mission on Aug. 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both satellite separation and proper insertion into the planned orbit. The successful H3 Flight No. 9 adds another milestone to Japan’s current launch program, following the successful H3 test flight in June.