Japan Launches Michibiki No. 7: Step Towards Sovereign Navigation and Challenges for H3
🇯🇵 Japan successfully launched the Michibiki No. 7 satellite (QZS-7), moving closer to creating its own navigation system independent of GPS.
🚀 The launch took place from the Tanegashima Space Center using the H3 rocket.
📉 However, a full constellation is not yet in place: in December 2025, Satellite No. 5 was lost.
🌏 The QZSS system uses unique orbits to cover mountainous areas and cities.
🔮 Expansion to 11 satellites is planned by the end of the 2030s.
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