TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, designated as H3 Flight No. 9, took place from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. JAXA confirmed that the rocket maintained its planned trajectory throughout the mission. Approximately 29 minutes after liftoff, the satellite detached and entered its targeted orbit.
Located in the orbit, Michibiki No. 7, also called QZS-7, becomes part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network functions alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing accuracy. Japan launched operational services for QZSS in November 2018, with coverage extending over Japan and parts of the broader Asia-Oceania region, supporting diverse user needs.
In the early planning stages, Japan’s Cabinet Office oversaw the QZSS project through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Initially, the launch of QZS-7 was scheduled for February 2026 but was postponed due to an earlier H3 mission failure. After additional preparations, JAXA scheduled a new launch date for August 10, which was delayed to August 11 because of weather conditions. On that day, the H3 rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 Achieves Another Successful Mission
This successful launch followed the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. During that attempt, the rocket’s second-stage engine shut down before completing its second ignition sequence, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its designated orbit. JAXA conducted an investigation into this failure before resuming H3 launches with a successful test flight in June 2026.
In June, H3 Flight No. 6 was launched, reaching its planned orbit as part of the return-to-flight operations, and deploying several small payloads during the process. The H3, Japan’s primary launch vehicle, has replaced the long-standing H-IIA family. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the H3 system represents Japan’s efforts to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Satellite Navigation Network
Designed to expand satellite positioning coverage, QZSS also maintains compatibility with GPS services. The constellation employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits to support positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services within its operational area. The Cabinet Office provided updated technical details in July, covering operations with a six-satellite setup including QZS-7.
Furthermore, Japan continues to plan for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation under its official satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is an integral part of this ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. Tuesday’s launch successfully achieved its immediate objectives, placing the satellite into its designated orbit. It also marked the completion of another H3 mission following the vehicle’s return to flight in June.