Fifth H-3 rocket successfully launches Michibiki No. 6 satellite
The Michibiki satellite series supports Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), which provides highly accurate location data down to centimeter-level precision. Since the launch of the first Michibiki satellite in 2010, four operational satellites have been enhancing Japan's positioning capabilities.
Japan's government plans to expand the system to seven operational satellites by fiscal 2025, allowing the country to operate independently of foreign GPS services. Future plans include increasing the constellation to 11 satellites to further strengthen reliability.
Michibiki No. 6, when fully deployed with its solar panels, measures approximately 19 meters in length and weighs about 1.9 tons. The total cost for developing this satellite and two additional units scheduled for launch next fiscal year is estimated at around Yen 100 billion.
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries collaborated on the H-3 rocket series, which initially faced a setback with a failed first launch in March 2023. However, subsequent launches, including the latest fifth flight, have proceeded successfully since February 2024. Mitsubishi Heavy aims to secure more contracts by demonstrating reliability through a steady cadence of successful launches.
As part of a long-term strategy, JAXA intends to transition Japan's space launch operations to Mitsubishi Heavy to strengthen the commercial viability of the country's launch sector.
The latest launch took place at 17:30 JST on February 2, 2025, with the H-3 rocket delivering the QZS-6 satellite. Approximately 29 minutes and 3 seconds after liftoff, mission controllers confirmed the successful separation of the satellite. JAXA extended its gratitude to all those who supported the mission.
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