Key facts
- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency successfully launched an H3 rocket on August 11.
- The rocket carried the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite.
- The satellite is part of Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System.
- This is the second consecutive successful launch for the H3 rocket.
- A previous H3 launch in December failed to place a satellite into orbit.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched an H3 rocket on Tuesday, August 11, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite. The satellite was successfully decoupled from the rocket as planned, marking the second consecutive successful launch for Japan's flagship rocket.
The H3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. The Michibiki No. 7 is part of the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, which provides location information for smartphones and vehicle navigation. This system aims to have seven satellites in orbit to ensure full service without external reliance.