Japan’s H3 rocket faced issues Monday during its seventh launch attempt.
The H3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 8:51 p.m. EST Sunday night in Japan carrying the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite designated QZS-5 into orbit.
“However, the second stage engine’s second ignition failed to start normally and shut down prematurely,” according to Japan’s Aerospace Exploration Agency.
“It would be impossible to carry out next liftoff without determining the cause (of the failure) and implementing preventive measures,” said JAXA project manager Makoto Arita.
Michibiki 5 was designed to join Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System and weights about 10,580 pounds.
“This system is compatible with GPS satellites and can be utilized with them in an integrated fashion,” JAXA wrote in a statement.
“QZSW can be used even in the Asia-Oceania regions with longitudes close to Japan, so its usage will be expanded to other countries in these regions as well,” JAXA added.
Japan launched its first QZSS pathfinder satellite in September 2010.
The system now operates four satellites, but the country aims to expand the network constellation to include 11 satellites.
Developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the two-stage H3 rocket succeeds the long-serving H-2A, which retired in June after 25 years in use.
After a failed debut in March 2023, the H3 completed five straight successful launches before Sunday’s setback.
“We would like to express our deepest apology to many people and entities, particularly those related to the QZS-5, local organizations and the public, who had high expectations for this project,” Japanese officials said.
