TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket, carrying 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 vehicle maintained its planned trajectory throughout the mission. About 29 minutes post-launch, the satellite separated and entered its target orbit.
Known as QZS-7, Michibiki No. 7 joins Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, which collaborates with the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing services. Since November 2018, Japan has operated QZSS, which covers the country and extends support to parts of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Originally, the QZS-7 launch was scheduled for February 2026 but was postponed after an earlier H3 mission failure. JAXA later targeted August 10 for the launch, following further preparations. Weather conditions delayed the lift-off to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 achieves another milestone with successful mission return
This successful launch came after the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025, when the rocket’s second-stage engine stopped before completing its second ignition. This issue prevented QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA conducted an investigation before resuming H3 launches with a successful test in June 2026.
The June 12 flight of H3 Flight No. 6 marked its return to operational status, reaching the planned orbit and deploying several small payloads during the mission. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA family. Developed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the system enhances Japan’s domestic launch capacity.
QZSS expansion enhances Japan’s satellite navigation coverage
QZSS was designed to improve satellite positioning coverage while maintaining GPS compatibility. Its satellites are positioned in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, supporting positioning, navigation, timing, and augmentation services for users within its coverage zone. The Cabinet Office provided updated technical details in July, describing operations with a six-satellite configuration including QZS-7.
Japan plans to complete a seven-satellite constellation under its satellite navigation program, with QZS-7 contributing to the network’s ongoing expansion. Tuesday’s launch successfully achieved its immediate mission goals by placing the spacecraft into its designated orbit, marking another milestone in the H3’s return to operational flights since June.