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. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, verified that the satellite was separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. Officials confirmed that the rocket maintained its planned trajectory and deployed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7 is a vital 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 provided QZSS services since November 2018. The system serves primarily Japan but also supports users across parts of the Asia-Oceania region. The QZSS program is managed by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Initially, JAXA planned to launch QZS-7 on Feb. 1, 2026. However, the date was postponed following the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February indicated that the launch would not occur within the original window ending March 31. After further weather assessments, JAXA targeted Aug. 10 for the next attempt. Weather conditions then shifted the launch to Aug. 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight.
H3 mission continues after earlier setback
H3 Flight No. 8, launched from Tanegashima on Dec. 22, 2025, failed to deliver Michibiki No. 5 into its orbit. JAXA explained that the second-stage engine did not ignite normally for the second time and shut down prematurely. As a result, QZS-5 did not reach its intended orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches on June 12, 2026, with Flight No. 6. That mission successfully reached its designated orbit and deployed several small payloads.
The H3 is Japan’s new primary launch vehicle, replacing the H-IIA family. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The initial test flight of H3 failed in March 2023 after the second-stage engine failed to ignite. However, a subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The later H3 missions have included government, Earth observation, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA, which had been Japan’s main launch vehicle, completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s navigation system with new satellite
QZSS was designed to expand satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS. It uses satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various types of augmentation. In July, the Cabinet Office released updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the launch of QZS-7. This phase reflects the satellites available after the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan maintains plans for a full seven-satellite constellation for QZSS. Official technical documents released before Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The Aug. 11 mission achieved its immediate goals, with JAXA confirming satellite separation and proper orbit insertion. The successful launch of H3 Flight No. 9 marks another milestone for Japan’s current launch program following the successful H3 test flight in June.