TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket on Tuesday, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into space. The launch, designated 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 entire mission. The satellite separated approximately 29 minutes after liftoff and entered its intended orbit.
Known also as QZS-7, Michibiki No. 7 is part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, which operates alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan began providing operational QZSS services in November 2018, covering the country and supporting users across parts of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program, overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat, had initially scheduled the QZS-7 launch for February 2026 but postponed it following an earlier H3 mission failure. JAXA later rescheduled the launch attempt for August 10 after completing additional preparations; however, weather conditions delayed the liftoff to August 11, resulting in the mission’s successful completion.
H3 Celebrates Another Successful Mission
This successful launch followed the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025, when the rocket’s second-stage engine shut down before completing its second ignition sequence, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its target orbit. JAXA investigated the failure before resuming H3 launches with a successful test mission in June 2026.
On June 12, H3 Flight No. 6 lifted off, reaching its planned orbit during that return-to-flight mission and deploying several small payloads as well. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA family, with development led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as Japan expands its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Navigation Network
Designed to augment satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS, Japan’s QZSS constellation employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits to support positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services within its coverage area. The Cabinet Office provided updated technical details in July concerning operations under a six-satellite configuration, including QZS-7.
Japan’s plans for a seven-satellite QZSS constellation, outlined in its satellite navigation program, continue to evolve, with QZS-7 being a vital component of the ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. Tuesday’s launch successfully achieved its immediate objectives by placing the spacecraft into its designated orbit, marking another milestone since the H3’s return to flight in June.