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 H3 Flight No. 9, took off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. JAXA confirmed that the vehicle maintained its planned trajectory throughout the mission. The satellite separated approximately 29 minutes after lift-off and entered its preassigned orbit.
Also known as QZS-7, Michibiki No. 7 joins Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network operates alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities. Japan launched operational services for QZSS in November 2018. The system primarily covers Japan but also provides support to 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. The date was postponed following an earlier H3 mission failure, but JAXA later targeted August 10 for a new launch attempt after completing additional preparations. Inclement weather caused the liftoff to be rescheduled to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its mission.
H3 Achieves Another Successful Mission After Setback
This successful launch came after 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, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its intended orbit. JAXA conducted an investigation into the failure and resumed H3 launches with a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6, which lifted off on June 12, reached 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 longstanding H-IIA family. Developed jointly with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the system supports Japan’s goal of expanding its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki’s Launch Bolsters Japan’s Satellite Navigation Network
QZSS was designed to enhance satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS. Its 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, covering operations under a six-satellite configuration involving QZS-7.
Japan continues to pursue plans for a seven-satellite constellation within its published satellite navigation framework. QZS-7 is a part of this ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. Tuesday’s launch successfully met its immediate objectives by placing the satellite into its designated orbit, also marking the conclusion of another successful H3 mission after the vehicle’s return to flight in June.