H3 rocket launch

MINAMITANE, Japan, Aug. 12 Kyodo - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency head Hiroshi Yamakawa holds a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026, following the successful launch of H3 rocket No. 9 carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite. (Kyodo)

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, soars following its launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, soars following its launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, soars following its launch from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency head Hiroshi Yamakawa holds a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026, following the successful launch of H3 rocket No. 9 carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency head Hiroshi Yamakawa (R) holds a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026, following the successful launch of H3 rocket No. 9 carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket No. 9, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 11, 2026.

[Breaking News]Japan H3 rocket mission fails

MINAMITANE, Japan, Dec. 22 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 22, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, with a Michibiki No. 5 satellite in its payload. The rocket failed to place the satellite into orbit after its second-stage engine prematurely cut off shortly after liftoff. (Kyodo)

H3 rocket launch canceled

MINAMITANE, Japan, Dec. 17 Kyodo - Video taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 17, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency canceled the launch of the No. 8 rocket, loaded with the No. 5 Michibiki satellite for enhanced global positioning, due to an equipment malfunction. (Kyodo)

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency project manager Makoto Arita attends a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025, after a Japanese H3 rocket failed to deliver the Michibiki No. 5 satellite into the target orbit.

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency project manager Makoto Arita attends a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025, after a Japanese H3 rocket failed to deliver the Michibiki No. 5 satellite into the target orbit.

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japanese H3 rocket fails to put satellite into orbit

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Vice President Masashi Okada attends a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025, after a Japanese H3 rocket failed to deliver the Michibiki No. 5 satellite into the target orbit.

Japan H3 rocket mission fails

Japan H3 rocket mission fails

Photo taken on Dec. 22, 2025, shows smoke billowing from the Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite after liftoff from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The rocket failed to place the satellite into orbit after its second-stage engine prematurely cut off shortly after liftoff.

Japan H3 rocket mission fails

Japan H3 rocket mission fails

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 22, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket lifting off from Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, with a Michibiki No. 5 satellite in its payload. The rocket failed to place the satellite into orbit after its second-stage engine prematurely cut off shortly after liftoff.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 22, 2025, shows the liftoff of a Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025.

H3 rocket launch

H3 rocket launch

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Dec. 22, 2025.

H3 rocket launch canceled

H3 rocket launch canceled

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 17, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency canceled the launch of the No. 8 rocket, loaded with the No. 5 Michibiki satellite for enhanced global positioning, due to an equipment malfunction.

H3 rocket launch canceled

H3 rocket launch canceled

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 17, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency canceled the launch of the No. 8 rocket, loaded with the No. 5 Michibiki satellite for enhanced global positioning, due to an equipment malfunction.

H3 rocket launch canceled

H3 rocket launch canceled

Photo taken from a Kyodo News helicopter on Dec. 17, 2025, shows a Japanese H3 rocket at the Tanegashima Space Center in Minamitane in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency canceled the launch of the No. 8 rocket, loaded with the No. 5 Michibiki satellite for enhanced global positioning, due to an equipment malfunction.

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - People watch as the HIIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki arrives at the launch pad at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - People watch as the H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki is moved to the launch pad at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010.

Japan puts successor to aging GPS-improving satellite into orbit

Japan successfully launched into orbit on Tuesday a replacement for its aging first-ever quasi-zenith satellite, which has been working to provide accurate global positioning data for services such as autonomous driving cars and drones. The new satellite produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. will replace the Michibiki No. 1 satellite, which was launched in 2010 and has reached the end of its design life. The new satellite will work with three previously launched Michibiki satellites and complement the existing U.S. satellite network. An H-2A rocket carrying the satellite lifted off at 11:19 a.m. from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan. The satellite entered into the planned orbit about 30 minutes after the launch.

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010. (Kyodo)

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - The H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki aboard is launched into space from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010. (Kyodo)

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - People watch as the H2A Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki is moved to the launch pad at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010. (Kyodo)

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

Michibiki to be launched from Tanegashima Space Center

TANEGASHIMA, Japan - People watch as the HIIA Launch Vehicle No. 18 with the first quasi-zenith satellite Michibiki arrives at the launch pad at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Sept. 11, 2010. (Kyodo)

Abe at ceremony marking start of satellite operations

Abe at ceremony marking start of satellite operations

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a ceremony marking the start of full-scale operation of Japan's Michibiki quasi-zenith satellites in Tokyo on Nov. 1, 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Abe at ceremony marking start of satellite operations

Abe at ceremony marking start of satellite operations

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks at a ceremony marking the start of full-scale operation of Japan's quasi-zenith satellites Michibiki held in Tokyo on Nov. 1, 2018. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Scientists clap their hands after an H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, was successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, part of a new system aimed at improving the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

An H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, ascends into the sky after being launched from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, part of a new system aimed at improving the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was successfully placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

An H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, aiming at creating a new system to improve the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was successfully placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

An H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, aiming at creating a new system to improve the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was successfully placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

An H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, aiming at creating a new system to improve the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was successfully placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

Japan launches 4th GPS-improving quasi-zenith satellite

An H-2A rocket carrying Japan's fourth and final quasi-zenith satellite, the Michibiki No. 4, lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Oct. 10, 2017. The satellite, aiming at creating a new system to improve the accuracy of global positioning system data for a range of applications, including smartphones and vehicle navigation systems, was successfully placed in orbit, the government said. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

The Michibiki No. 3 satellite, the third of Japan's new quasi-zenith satellites, is launched on an H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Aug. 19, 2017, with the aim of improving the accuracy of available global positioning data. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

The Michibiki No. 3 satellite, the third of Japan's new quasi-zenith satellites, is launched on an H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Aug. 19, 2017, with the aim of improving the accuracy of available global positioning data. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

The Michibiki No. 3 satellite, the third of Japan's new quasi-zenith satellites, is launched on an H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Aug. 19, 2017, with the aim of improving the accuracy of available global positioning data. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan successfully launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Yoshimasa Hayashi (R), Japan's minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, speaks at a press conference at the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Aug. 19, 2017, after the Michibiki No. 3 satellite aimed at improving the accuracy of available global positioning data was successfully launched. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

The Michibiki No. 3 satellite, the third of Japan's new quasi-zenith satellites, is launched on an H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on Aug. 19, 2017, with the aim of improving the accuracy of available global positioning data. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

Japan launches 3rd satellite of new GPS constellation

The Michibiki No. 3 satellite, the third of Japan's new quasi-zenith satellites, is launched on an H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, with the aim of improving the accuracy of available global positioning data. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo