H3-22 | Michibiki 7 (QZS-7)
Pad: Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2 · Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
QZSS (Quasi Zenith Satellite System) is a Japanese satellite navigation system operating from inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbits to achieve optimal high-elevation visibility in urban canyons and mountainous areas. The navigation system objective is to broadcast GPS-interoperable and augmentation signals as well as original Japanese (QZSS) signals from a three-spacecraft constellation. The navigation system objective is to broadcast GPS-interoperable and augmentation signals as well as original Japanese (QZSS) signals from a three-spacecraft constellation in inclined, elliptical geosynchronous orbits.
Orbital Launch Vehicle
Photo: Orbit Deck Space Catalog
H3-22 | Michibiki 7 (QZS-7) Live Coverage
Official Webcast Feed Scheduled
Live broadcast embeds typically go live 15 to 20 minutes prior to launch window liftoff. Check the official Mitsubishi Heavy Industries channels or Spaceflight Now for live feeds.
🛰️ Mission Orbital & Environment Matrix
- Target Orbit
- GTO
- Target Altitude
- 550 km
- Inclination
- 53.2°
- Weather Violation Risk
- 10%
- Primary Payload
- Michibiki 7 (QZS-7)
- Launch Window
- Monday, August 10, 2026 at 07:23 PM UTC – 08:23 PM UTC
🚀 Vehicle Architecture & Stage Configuration
- Architecture Type
- Single-Use Expendable
- Recovery Strategy
- None (Ocean Trajectory)
- Core Propulsion
- Liquid Cryogenic / Staged
- Upper Stage
- High-Energy Re-ignitable
- Fairing Shroud
- Standard Aerodynamic Shroud (Direct Jettison)
- Vehicle Architecture
- H3-22 Propulsion & Staging Specs →
⏱️ Operational Timeline Milestones & Staging Sequence
Target T-0: 2026-08-10Terminal Count
T-00:15:00Autonomous launch sequence start
Auto Sequence
T-00:03:00Flight computer assumes control
Liftoff
T-00:00:00Stage 1 main engine ignition & liftoff
MECO & Stage Sep
T+00:02:40Main engine cut-off and stage separation
Stage 1 Landing
T+00:08:30Booster touchdown on recovery vessel / zone
Payload Deploy
T+00:45:00Spacecraft insertion into target orbit
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station · Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Falcon 9 Standing at SLC-40
Falcon 9 vertical on Space Launch Complex 40 with lightning suppression towers at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Photo Credit: NASA / Joel KowskySLC-40 is the world's most active orbital launch facility. Originally constructed for Titan III and Titan IV rockets, SpaceX leased and modernized the pad in 2008. In 2024, SpaceX added a new crew access tower to enable astronaut and cargo Dragon launches directly from SLC-40.