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Japan's New H3 Rocket Fails on Navigation Satellite Launch
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Japan's new H3 rocket failed to orbit a navigation satellite.
- This marks the second significant failure for the H3 rocket program.
- The failure jeopardizes Japan's plan for a more precise geolocation system.
Japan's space agency has reported a critical failure with its new H3 rocket, which was carrying the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite. The rocket failed to successfully deploy the payload into its planned orbit following a premature cutoff of its second-stage engine burn.
This incident represents a significant setback for Japan's ambitious space program, particularly for its new flagship rocket, the H3, which is intended to be more cost-competitive globally. This is the second major failure for the H3, following its debut flight in March 2023, raising concerns about the reliability of Japan's next-generation launch capabilities.
The failure has direct implications for Japan's strategic goal of establishing a more precise and independent geolocation system by 2026, reducing reliance on the U.S. GPS. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is currently investigating the cause, emphasizing its commitment to rectifying the issues and regaining credibility.
