Japan's H3 Rocket Fails to Orbit Key Navigation Satellite, Jeopardizing 'Japanese GPS' Plan

Japan's next-generation H3 rocket suffered a critical failure on Monday, failing to place a key geolocation satellite into orbit after its second-stage engine cut off prematurely. The incident deals a significant blow to the nation's ambitions for a sovereign navigation system.

According to the country's science ministry, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is investigating the cause of the failure, which occurred shortly after liftoff from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture on December 22. The rocket's payload was the Michibiki No. 5 satellite, the sixth in a planned seven-orbiter constellation.

The launch had been fraught with issues, having already been rescheduled twice. Originally slated for December 7, it was pushed to last Wednesday and then to Monday after engineers detected abnormalities in both the rocket and its ground facilities, hinting at underlying technical challenges even before liftoff.

A Setback for Strategic Independence

Japan began operating its QZSS with four satellites in 2018 and successfully launched the Michibiki No. 6 satellite in February of this year. The completed seven-satellite system is intended to ensure at least one satellite is always positioned directly over Japan, with coverage extending to other parts of Asia and Oceania.

Ultimately, JAXA plans to expand the constellation to 11 satellites. This would provide full redundancy, ensuring the system remains operational even if some satellites experience technical problems. Monday's failure now casts uncertainty over this timeline and Japan's goal of achieving a robust, independent space-based infrastructure.