TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Japan’s space agency achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching its H3 rocket on Tuesday, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, identified 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 separated and entered its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7, also called QZS-7, now joins Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network complements the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities. Japan initiated operational services for QZSS in November 2018. The system not only covers Japan but also provides support for users across parts of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Initially, officials scheduled the QZS-7 launch for February 2026, but it was postponed following an earlier H3 mission failure. Subsequently, JAXA set a new launch date for August 10 after completing additional preparations. Due to weather conditions, the liftoff was rescheduled to August 11, when the mission was successfully completed.
H3 Achieves Another Successful Launch After Setback
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, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA investigated the cause of the failure and resumed H3 launches with a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6, launched on June 12, reached its planned orbit during that return-to-flight effort and deployed several small payloads as part of the test. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA rocket series. The system was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of Japan’s effort to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Adding to Japan’s Satellite Navigation Network, Michibiki Enhances Positioning Accuracy
The QZSS was designed to extend satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS. It relies on satellites positioned in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, providing users with improved positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services within its operational area. In July, the Cabinet Office released updated technical details regarding operations involving a six-satellite configuration, including QZS-7.
Japan continues to plan for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation as part of its ongoing satellite navigation program. QZS-7 contributes to the expansion of the Michibiki network. The launch on Tuesday successfully placed the spacecraft into its designated orbit, fulfilling its immediate objectives. Furthermore, this marks the completion of another H3 mission since the rocket’s return to flight in June.