Japan launches H3 rocket carrying Michibiki navigation satellite

TOKYO -- Japan on Sunday launched the Michibiki navigation satellite aboard the H3 Rocket No 5 from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture.

The H3 Rocket No 5, carrying the Michibiki satellite, lifted off at 5:30 pm local time. The satellite was later placed into its designated orbit.

Michibiki is a Japanese satellite designed to enhance GPS accuracy for smartphones, car navigation systems, and other location-based services. The current system consists of four satellites orbiting over Japan, aiding not only in navigation but also in emergency earthquake alerts in areas with no communication signals.

The Japanese government aims to expand the system from four to seven satellites, reducing reliance on foreign GPS networks. The newly launched Michibiki No 6 will be placed in a geostationary orbit approximately 36,000 km above Earth.

Japan's next-generation H3 rocket developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is set to fully replace the operation of the H2A rocket, which is expected to end in fiscal 2024 with the launch of rocket No 50.

Sunday's launch marked the H3's fifth launch in the country, following the failure of its inaugural launch in March 2023 and three successful missions last year.