AP reports that Japan’s space agency said it had launched a navigation satellite aboard its new advanced H3 rocket. The satellite was launched to develop a more accurate positioning system.
The H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki-6 satellite, blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on Japan’s southwestern island of Okinawa.
“All operations went according to plan. The satellite successfully separated from the rocket about 29 minutes later,” said Makoto Ariata, head of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s H3 project.
Officials said the satellite will reach its target geostationary orbit within two weeks.
The signals from the Michibiki satellites supplement the US GPS system and will improve location data for smartphones, cars, marine navigation, and drones.
Japan plans to launch two more navigation satellites in March 2026, bringing the total to seven. By the late 2030s, Japan intends to have a network of 11 satellites.
