TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, known 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 course throughout the mission. The satellite separated roughly 29 minutes after liftoff and entered its designated orbit.
Michibiki No. 7, also called QZS-7, becomes 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 began offering operational QZSS services in November 2018. The system covers Japan and supports users across parts of the broader Asia-Oceania region.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. The launch of QZS-7 was initially scheduled for February 2026 but was postponed after an earlier H3 mission failure. JAXA later rescheduled the launch for August 10, following additional preparations. Weather conditions delayed the liftoff to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 Achieves Another Successful Mission
This launch success 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. This issue prevented QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA investigated the failure before resuming H3 launches with a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6 launched on June 12 and reached its planned orbit during that return-to-flight effort. The mission also deployed several small payloads. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA rocket family. JAXA developed it alongside Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to expand Japan’s domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Satellite Navigation
QZSS was created to improve satellite positioning coverage while staying compatible with GPS. Its satellites are placed in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. The system supports positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services for users within its coverage area. In July, the Cabinet Office updated technical details for operations with a six-satellite configuration involving QZS-7.
Japan also plans to expand the constellation to seven satellites, as outlined in its satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is part of this ongoing network expansion. Tuesday’s launch met its primary objectives by placing the spacecraft into its target orbit. It also marked another successful H3 mission since the rocket’s return to flight in June.