TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite. The launch of H3 Flight No. 9 occurred at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, confirmed that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. JAXA stated that the rocket adhered to its planned trajectory and successfully placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7 plays a key role in QZSS. The satellite network delivers 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 also supports 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 February 1, 2026. However, officials postponed the launch following the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025 during an internal investigation. An update in February indicated that the mission would not proceed within the original launch window ending on March 31. After further weather evaluations, JAXA set a new target date for August 10, but unfavorable weather pushed the launch to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight.
H3 Mission Continues After Previous Launch Setback
The earlier H3 Flight No. 8 launched Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima on December 22, 2025, but did not succeed. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine failed to ignite properly during its second ignition attempt, shutting down prematurely. As a result, the rocket was unable to place QZS-5 into 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.
The H3 has become Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the H-IIA family. Its development involved collaboration between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight ended in failure in March 2023 after the second-stage engine failed to ignite. A subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The H3 has since launched government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA’s 50th and final launch took place in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Satellite Navigation Network
Japan designed the QZSS to expand satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS. The system utilizes satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and multiple forms of positioning augmentation. The Cabinet Office published an updated performance report in July, reflecting a six-satellite operational phase following the start of QZS-7 operations. This update accounts for the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan maintains plans for a seven-satellite constellation. Official technical documents released prior to Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the system’s latest expansion. The mission on August 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both satellite separation and the correct placement into the planned orbit. The successful launch of H3 Flight No. 9 adds another milestone to Japan’s current launch vehicle program, following the successful test flight in June.