H3 rocket launch with Michibiki 7 satellite — pivotal step toward Japan’s independent positioning capability

A brilliant plume of fire illuminates the night sky over Japan’s coastline as the H3 rocket lifts off. On-screen telemetry shows velocity at 179 km/h, altitude at 347 m, rocket type H3-226, and payload QZS-7 — the sixth Michibiki satellite for regional GPS augmentation.