Japanese H3 Rocket Fails to Launch Geolocation Satellite into Orbit

The Japanese H3 rocket, which was carrying the sixth satellite in Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, failed to deliver its payload into orbit after lift-off on Monday. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency reported that the failure was due to the premature cut-off of the second-stage engines shortly after launch from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture.

This incident follows previous delays for the launch of Michibiki No 5, which was initially scheduled for December 7, but was rescheduled multiple times due to detected abnormalities in the rocket and ground facilities.

The Quasi-Zenith Satellite System is critical for providing highly accurate positioning services essential for smartphones and vehicle navigation, achieving coverage for nearly 100 percent of Japan, including challenging environments like urban canyons and mountainous areas.

Japan's geolocation capabilities began with the operation of its own system featuring four satellites in 2018, aimed at enhancing the performance of the US-administered Global Positioning System, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the South China Morning Post.