TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully deployed its H3 rocket, transporting 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 followed its planned trajectory throughout the mission. The satellite was released approximately 29 minutes after liftoff and reached its target orbit as scheduled.
Joining Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7, also known as QZS-7, enhances the nation’s satellite navigation capabilities. This system operates alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System, aiming to improve positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan began offering operational QZSS services in November 2018, providing coverage not only for Japan but also extending 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. Initially, officials scheduled the QZS-7 launch for February 2026 but postponed it following an earlier H3 mission failure. After completing additional preparations, JAXA set a new launch window for August 10. Due to weather conditions, the launch was rescheduled to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 concludes with another successful mission
This successful launch followed the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. During that attempt, the second-stage engine of the rocket shut down before completing its second ignition, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA conducted an investigation into the failure before resuming H3 launches with a successful test in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6, which launched on June 12, achieved its planned orbit during that return-to-flight mission and deployed multiple small payloads as part of the test. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA rocket family. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the system marks Japan’s effort to expand domestic launch capacity.
Michibiki enhances Japan’s satellite-based positioning services
The QZSS constellation was created to improve satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS systems. Satellites are positioned in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits to support high-precision positioning, navigation, timing, and augmentation services within its operational area. In July, the Cabinet Office provided updated technical details, describing operations under a configuration involving six satellites, including QZS-7.
Japan also has plans to expand the QZSS constellation to seven satellites, as outlined in its published satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is part of the ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. The launch on Tuesday achieved its immediate objectives by placing the spacecraft into its designated orbit, marking yet another successful H3 mission after the vehicle’s return to flight in June.