MICHIBIKI No. 7 (QZS-7) Launch on H3 Flight No. 9

JAXA launches the MICHIBIKI No. 7 (QZS-7) navigation satellite aboard H3 Launch Vehicle Flight No. 9 (H3 F9, Model 22) from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at Tanegashima Space Center. Launch window 4:30-6:00 JST. QZS-7 expands Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, which augments GPS across the Asia-Pacific region. JAXA has published a reserved launch period running August 8-31 and September 3-30, 2026, so the date may slip.