TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan achieved a successful launch of its H3 rocket, which carried 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 rocket adhered to its planned trajectory throughout the entire mission. The satellite separated approximately 29 minutes after liftoff, entering its predetermined orbit as scheduled.
Michibiki No. 7, also known as QZS-7, becomes a part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network operates alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan commenced operational services for QZSS in November 2018, and the system currently covers Japan while also providing support for users across segments of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. The initial plan was to launch QZS-7 in February 2026; however, this was postponed following an earlier H3 mission failure. Subsequently, JAXA scheduled a new launch attempt for August 10 after completing further preparations. Adverse weather conditions delayed the liftoff until August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 completes another mission successfully
This successful launch follows the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. During that mission, the rocket’s second-stage engine shut down before completing its second ignition sequence as planned, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its designated orbit. An investigation by JAXA examined the failure before resuming H3 launches, with a successful test mission in June 2026 marking the system’s return to operational status.
H3 Flight No. 6 was launched on June 12 and successfully reached its intended orbit during that recovery mission. The flight also deployed several small payloads as part of testing. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA series. JAXA developed the system in partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as part of Japan’s efforts to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki enhances Japan’s satellite navigation network
Designed to improve satellite positioning coverage, Japan’s QZSS maintains compatibility with GPS services. Its constellation employs satellites placed in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, offering support for positioning, navigation, timing, and several augmentation services across its coverage area. The Cabinet Office provided updated technical details in July, describing operations involving a six-satellite configuration, including QZS-7.
Additionally, Japan has plans to expand the constellation to seven satellites under its published satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is a key component of this ongoing network expansion. The launch on Tuesday achieved its immediate objectives, successfully placing the spacecraft into its target orbit, marking another milestone for the H3 rocket after it resumed flights in June following previous setbacks.