Japan Launches First Navigation Satellite In 2025

Japan launched the Michibiki 6 satellite (photo: dock. JAXA)

JAKARTA The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Michibiki 6 navigation satellite on Sunday, February 2. This satellite flies using a H3 rocket belonging to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).

The Michibiki 6 satellite, also known as the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-6), was launched to assist Japan in determining its position, navigation, and timing settings. The satellite can also increase the accuracy and reliability of GPS services in Japan.

According to a JAXA report, this vehicle takes off from the Tanegashima Space Center according to the set launch window. The launch process runs smoothly and Michibiki will be placed in a geostationary belt.

"The launch is as planned, and about 29 minutes and 3 seconds after takeoff, QZS-6 separation is confirmed," JAXA said in its official broadcast. "JAXA appreciates all the support shown on behalf of the launch."

This 1,900 kilogram satellite is important to the navigation system in the country. Michibiki was first launched in 2010 and the launch of this satellite continues to this day. The plan, Japan will provide redundancy with a system of 11 satellites.

This is the first launch carried out by JAXA in 2025. Outside of JAXA, the Japanese company ispace launched a vehicle on January 15, 2024 using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft launched is the Resilience lander.

The spacecraft is currently in Earth's orbit. Gradually, Resilience will raise its orbital level before entering the Moon's territory. According to ispace estimates, this SpaceX-backed vehicle will land in about four months.