Japanese H3 rocket fails to launch, losing navigation satellite
Japan’s H3 rocket experienced engine trouble, preventing the QZS-5 navigation satellite from reaching its intended orbit. The setback may trigger months of investigation and could delay the country’s space program.
Reuters
December 22, 2025

Japan's H3 rocket No.8 carrying carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite rises into the air after blasting off from the launching pad at the Tanegashima Space Center on the southwestern island of Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, December 22, 2025, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Kyodo/via REUTERS
Kyodo
Japan's H3 rocket No.8 carrying carrying the Michibiki No. 5 satellite rises into the air after blasting off from the launching pad at the Tanegashima Space Center on the southwestern island of Tanegashima, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, December 22, 2025, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Kyodo/via REUTERS
A Japanese H3 rocket could not put a government-run QZS-5 navigation satellite into its intended orbit after engine trouble, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said on Monday.
Japan's flagship H3 rocket, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, failed in its inaugural launch in 2023 but has succeeded in six subsequent flights. A rocket launch failure in Japan typically leads to months of investigations that could delay the national space programme.
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