TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Japan continues to advance its satellite capabilities with recent efforts to expand its navigation network. On Tuesday, the nation 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, confirmed that the satellite was separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. Officials stated that the rocket followed its planned trajectory and positioned QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
As part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, known as QZSS, Michibiki No. 7 enhances the nation’s satellite navigation infrastructure. The satellite network provides positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System. Japan has been operating QZSS since November 2018, with its services covering Japan and extending support to parts of the Asia-Oceania region. The program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat.
Initially, the QZS-7 mission was scheduled for Feb. 1, 2026. However, this plan was delayed after a thorough investigation into 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 rescheduled the launch for Aug. 10. Weather conditions then shifted the date to Aug. 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight and reached the intended orbit.
H3 mission marks recovery following earlier launch failure
The previous H3 Flight No. 8, launched from Tanegashima on Dec. 22, 2025, failed to reach its target orbit after an engine malfunction. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine did not ignite properly during its second burn and shut down prematurely, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. After this setback, Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026. That successful test flight achieved its mission objectives, reaching the designated orbit and deploying several small payloads.
The H3 has become Japan’s primary launch vehicle, succeeding the H-IIA series. Its development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight failed in March 2023 due to a second-stage engine ignition issue. The second test, conducted in February 2024, was successful. Since then, H3 missions have carried government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA, Japan’s previous main launch vehicle, completed its 50th and final launch in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s navigation system with Michibiki’s latest satellite
Designed to bolster satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS, Japan’s QZSS relies on satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the start of QZS-7 operations. This phase reflects the system’s status after the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Official technical documentation prior to Tuesday’s launch indicated that QZS-7 is part of the network’s latest expansion. The successful launch on Aug. 11 confirmed both satellite separation and correct insertion into the planned orbit. The H3 Flight No. 9 mission adds another successful deployment to Japan’s launch program, following the successful test flight in June. This latest development marks a key milestone in Japan’s ongoing efforts to enhance its satellite navigation infrastructure.