TANEGASHIMA, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – The launch of the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite was successfully accomplished by Japan on Tuesday, utilizing the H3 rocket. The mission took off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 4:23:31 a.m. Japan time during H3 Flight No. 9. JAXA confirmed that the launch vehicle maintained its intended trajectory throughout the operation. The satellite separated approximately 29 minutes post-launch, entering its designated orbit.
Known also as QZS-7, Michibiki No. 7 is a part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System. This network operates alongside the U.S. Global Positioning System to enhance accuracy in positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan’s operational QZSS services commenced in November 2018, covering Japan itself and extending support to regions across the wider Asia-Oceania area.
The QZSS program is overseen by Japan’s Cabinet Office through the National Space Policy Secretariat. Originally scheduled for February 2026, the launch of QZS-7 was postponed following an earlier failure during an H3 mission. After additional preparations, JAXA announced a new launch window for August 10. Weather conditions later shifted the liftoff to August 11, when the mission was successfully completed.
H3 achieves another milestone with successful mission
This achievement follows 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. As a result, QZS-5 failed to reach its intended orbit. JAXA investigated the failure thoroughly before resuming H3 launches, which included a successful test mission in June 2026.
H3 Flight No. 6, launched on June 12, successfully reached its planned orbit during that return-to-flight mission and also deployed several small payloads as part of the test. The H3 serves as Japan’s primary launch vehicle, replacing the long-standing H-IIA family. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the system signifies Japan’s efforts to expand its domestic launch capabilities.
Michibiki enhances Japan’s satellite navigation infrastructure
Designed to strengthen satellite positioning coverage while remaining compatible with GPS, the QZSS constellation uses satellites in quasi-zenith and geostationary orbits. It provides support for positioning, navigation, timing, and various augmentation services within its operational area. The Cabinet Office issued updated technical details in July, covering operations involving a six-satellite configuration that includes QZS-7.
Japan’s plans also include expanding to a seven-satellite QZSS constellation as part of its published satellite navigation program. QZS-7 is a key component of this ongoing expansion of the Michibiki network. Tuesday’s launch successfully achieved its immediate objectives, placing the spacecraft into the designated orbit and marking yet another milestone after the H3’s return to flight in June.