TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan accomplished a successful launch of its H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into space. 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, verified that the satellite separated approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. According to the agency, the rocket maintained its planned trajectory and accurately delivered QZS-7 into its predetermined orbit.
QZS-7 is part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, known as QZSS. The satellite network offers positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System. Japan has been operating QZSS services since November 2018, providing coverage for Japan and extending support to regions within the Asia-Oceania area. Oversight of the program falls under Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Originally, JAXA scheduled the launch of QZS-7 for Feb. 1, 2026. However, the date was pushed back following an investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update issued in February indicated that the launch would not occur within the initial window ending on March 31. After additional weather assessments, JAXA set a new target date of Aug. 10, but weather conditions then shifted the launch to Aug. 11. On that day, the rocket successfully completed its mission, placing QZS-7 into orbit.
H3 Launch Program Continues After Previous Setback
The launch of Michibiki No. 5 on Dec. 22, 2025, from Tanegashima was conducted via H3 Flight No. 8, but it did not succeed. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine failed to ignite correctly during its second attempt, shutting down prematurely. As a result, QZS-5 was not deployed into its intended orbit. Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026. That test flight successfully reached its designated orbit and deployed several small payloads.
Designed as Japan’s new primary launch vehicle, the H3 replaces the H-IIA series. Development was a joint effort between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first H3 test flight in March 2023 failed when its second-stage engine did not ignite properly. A subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. The H3 has since launched government satellites, Earth observation payloads, and cargo spacecraft. The H-IIA, Japan’s previous main launch vehicle, completed its 50th and final mission in June 2025 from Tanegashima.
Expansion of Japan’s Navigation System with Michibiki
QZSS was developed to enhance satellite positioning coverage in Japan while maintaining compatibility with GPS. Its constellation includes satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits, providing services such as positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office published updated performance data for a six-satellite phase following the commencement of QZS-7 operations, reflecting the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan continues to adhere to plans for a seven-satellite QZSS network. Official technical documents released prior to Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the latest expansion of the system. The successful launch on Aug. 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming both satellite separation and proper insertion into the intended orbit. The successful mission of H3 Flight No. 9 adds another milestone to Japan’s current launch program, following the successful test flight of the H3 in June.