The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency launched an H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center on Tuesday, delivering the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite into orbit.
The flight, designated H3 No. 9, lifted off from the island of Tanegashima in southwestern Japan after two weather-related delays that pushed the attempt from Friday to Monday and then to Tuesday.
Michibiki-7 joins the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, a regional constellation that augments GPS signals for smartphones, vehicle navigation and other location-based services in Japan and the Asia-Oceania region.
Five Michibiki satellites are currently providing positioning service; the government plans a seven-satellite constellation to deliver full coverage without reliance on foreign navigation systems.
The H3 rocket replaced the long-serving H2A as Japan's flagship launch vehicle, but its early record has been mixed.
A December 2025 launch of Michibiki No. 5 on an H3 failed to reach orbit, delaying the No. 7 mission from its original February target.
JAXA identified and corrected the issue, then achieved a successful H3 flight in June 2026 that deployed multiple small satellites.
Tuesday's launch marks the second consecutive success for the H3, restoring momentum for Japan's independent access to space and its navigation infrastructure goals.
Japan successfully launches H3 rocket carrying positioning satellite
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