TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday at the Tanegashima Space Center, Japan launched its H3 rocket with the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite onboard. The launch of H3 Flight No. 9 occurred at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, verified the separation of the satellite approximately 29 minutes and four seconds after liftoff. JAXA confirmed that the rocket adhered to its planned flight trajectory and successfully placed QZS-7 into its designated orbit.
Part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki No. 7 contributes to the country’s satellite navigation network, known as QZSS. The satellite network offers positioning, navigation, and timing services that complement the U.S. Global Positioning System. Japan has operated QZSS services since November 2018. The system primarily serves Japan but can also support users in parts of the Asia-Oceania region. The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through its National Space Policy Secretariat.
Originally, JAXA scheduled the QZS-7 mission for February 1, 2026. However, the launch was postponed following an investigation into the failure of H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025. An update in February stated that the mission would not occur within the initial launch window ending March 31. After further weather assessments, JAXA set a new target date for August 10, but inclement weather pushed the launch to August 11, when the rocket successfully completed its flight.
H3 mission follows previous launch failure
On December 22, 2025, H3 Flight No. 8 attempted to launch Michibiki No. 5 from Tanegashima but failed to achieve its objective. JAXA reported that the second-stage engine did not complete its second ignition as planned and shut down prematurely. As a result, the rocket was unable to place QZS-5 into its designated orbit. After the setback, Japan resumed H3 launches with Flight No. 6 on June 12, 2026. This test flight reached its target orbit and deployed several small payloads successfully.
The H3 launch vehicle has become Japan’s primary rocket and replaces the H-IIA family. Its development involved collaboration between JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The initial H3 test flight failed in March 2023 due to a second-stage engine ignition issue. A subsequent test in February 2024 was successful. Later missions have transported government payloads, Earth observation satellites, and cargo. The H-IIA’s last launch took place in June 2025 from Tanegashima, marking the end of an era.
Expansion of Japan’s navigation network with Michibiki
Designed to enhance satellite positioning coverage while maintaining compatibility with GPS, Japan’s QZSS system employs satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. Its services include positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation options. In July, the Cabinet Office released updated performance data for a six-satellite operational phase following the commencement of QZS-7 operations. This update accounts for the loss of QZS-5 during the December launch failure.
Japan remains committed to a seven-satellite configuration for the QZSS constellation. Official technical documents released before Tuesday’s launch describe QZS-7 as part of the network’s latest expansion. The successful mission on August 11 achieved its immediate objectives, with JAXA confirming satellite separation and proper insertion into the planned orbit. The successful deployment of H3 Flight No. 9 further strengthens Japan’s current launch vehicle program after the June success of the H3 test flight.