TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The launch, designated as H3 Flight No. 9, took place at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. About 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, confirmed the separation of the satellite. The agency stated that the rocket followed its planned trajectory and successfully inserted QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
QZSS, Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, includes the Michibiki No. 7 satellite. The satellite network offers enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System. Since November 2018, Japan has been operating QZSS services, which serve the country and extend support to parts of the Asia-Oceania region. Oversight of the program is managed by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Originally, JAXA planned to launch QZS-7 on Feb. 1, 2026. However, the date was postponed following an investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February indicated that the launch would not take place within the initial window ending March 31. After another weather assessment, JAXA scheduled a new attempt for Aug. 10. Weather conditions then shifted the launch to Aug. 11, culminating in a successful flight.
H3 mission follows previous launch challenges
The launch of Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima on Dec. 22, 2025, was conducted by H3 Flight No. 8, but it ended in failure. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine did not complete its second ignition as planned and shut down prematurely. As a result, QZS-5 was not placed into its intended orbit. The H3 returned to flight on June 12, 2026, with Flight No. 6, which successfully reached its targeted orbit and deployed multiple small payloads.
The H3 now serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle and replaces the H-IIA rocket series. Development involved collaboration between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Its first test flight ended in March 2023 with engine ignition issues, but a second test in February 2024 was successful. Subsequent missions have carried government payloads, Earth observation equipment, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA family completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s navigation system with Michibiki
QZSS was designed to enhance satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS. Its satellites operate in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, providing positioning, navigation, and timing services along with various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase that began with QZS-7’s integration, especially after the December launch failure resulted in the loss of QZS-5.
Japan remains committed to maintaining a seven-satellite constellation for QZSS. Technical documentation issued before Tuesday’s launch describes QZS-7 as part of the latest expansion of the network. The mission on Aug. 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both the satellite separation and the proper insertion into the planned orbit. The successful completion of H3 Flight No. 9 further advances Japan’s launch vehicle program following the success of its test flight in June.