TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The 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, verified that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. The agency stated that the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7 is a component 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 primarily serves Japan but can also support users across parts of the Asia-Oceania region. 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, but postponed the launch following the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025 during an investigation. An update in February indicated that the mission would not occur within the original launch window ending March 31. After additional weather assessments, JAXA planned a launch attempt on Aug. 10, which was then shifted to Aug. 11, culminating in a successful flight.
H3 launch faces setback before successful deployment
The December 22, 2025, launch of Michibiki No. 5 aboard H3 Flight No. 8 from Tanegashima ended in failure. JAXA explained that the second-stage engine failed to ignite properly during its second attempt and shut down prematurely, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026, which successfully reached its predetermined orbit and deployed several small payloads.
As Japan’s new primary launch vehicle, the H3 replaces the H-IIA rocket family. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight failed in March 2023 due to a second-stage engine ignition problem, but a subsequent test succeeded in February 2024. Later missions have launched government, Earth observation, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
QZSS expansion enhances Japan’s navigation system
QZSS was designed to enhance satellite-based positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS, utilizing satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. Updated performance data was published in July by the Cabinet Office for a six-satellite operational phase following the launch of QZS-7. This phase accounts for the satellites available after QZS-5’s loss during the December launch failure.
Japan maintains official plans for a full seven-satellite QZSS constellation. Technical documents released before Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The Aug. 11 mission successfully achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both spacecraft separation and insertion into the intended orbit. The successful H3 Flight No. 9 adds another mission to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the June success of the H3 test flight.