Japanese H3 rocket fails to launch geolocation satellite into orbit after engine cuts out

A Japanese H3 rocket carrying the sixth satellite in a seven-orbiter geolocation system failed to deliver its payload into orbit after lift-off on Monday, the country’s science ministry said.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency is assessing the situation and investigating the cause of the second-stage engine’s premature cut-off that occurred shortly after lift-off from the Tanegashima Space Centre in Kagoshima prefecture.

Placed on multiple orbital planes, the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System will enable Japan to operate highly accurate positioning services vital for smartphones and vehicle navigation, covering close to 100 per cent of Japan, including urban canyons and mountain terrain, according to the agency.

The launch of Michibiki No 5 from an island in southwestern Japan had been originally scheduled for December 7, but it was rescheduled to last Wednesday and then Monday after abnormalities were detected in the rocket and ground facilities.

Japan began operating its own geolocation system with four satellites in 2018 to enhance the availability and improve the performance of the US-administered Global Positioning System.