TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Tuesday, Japan successfully deployed its H3 rocket, which carried the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. The launch, designated as H3 Flight No. 9, took place at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time from the Tanegashima Space Center. JAXA reported that the launch vehicle maintained its planned trajectory throughout the mission. The satellite separated roughly 29 minutes after liftoff and entered its assigned orbit.
Known also 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 services related to positioning, navigation, and timing. Japan’s operational QZSS services began 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 is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Originally, the launch of QZS-7 was scheduled for February 2026 but was postponed following an earlier H3 mission failure. Subsequently, JAXA set a new launch date for August 10 after completing additional preparations. Due to weather concerns, the liftoff was rescheduled to August 11, which resulted in the successful completion of the mission.
H3 Celebrates Another Successful Mission
This successful launch followed the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025, when the rocket’s second-stage engine shut down before completing its second ignition, preventing QZS-5 from reaching its target orbit. JAXA investigated the failure and resumed H3 launches, beginning with a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6 launched on June 12, reaching its planned orbit during that return-to-flight mission. The rocket also deployed several small payloads during the test. As Japan’s primary launch vehicle, the H3 replaces the long-standing H-IIA series. It was developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as part of Japan’s effort to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki Enhances Japan’s Satellite Navigation Network
Designed to improve satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS, Japan’s QZSS constellation uses satellites positioned 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 issued updated technical details about operations involving a six-satellite configuration, including QZS-7.
Plans for a full seven-satellite QZSS constellation continue as part of Japan’s published satellite navigation strategy. QZS-7 is a key component of the ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. The successful launch on Tuesday achieved its immediate objectives, placing the satellite into its designated orbit. This mission also marked the conclusion of another H3 launch after the vehicle’s return to flight in June.