Japan successfully launches H3 rocket with Michibiki satellite

Who claims what

• —Japan successfully launched its H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki satellite — not independently verified.
• —This launch is the first successful launch of the H3 model since a failure in December 2025 — not independently verified.

Our assessment

If confirmed, the reported successful launch of Japan’s H3 rocket and deployment of the Michibiki satellite would signal renewed reliability in Japan’s advanced launch capabilities. This could bolster user and stakeholder confidence in Japanese space assets, support continuity in satnav-based services, and enhance the…