Japanese H3 rocket fails to launch, losing navigation satellite

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

22/12/2025 06:00

TOKYO, Dec 22 (Reuters) - A Japanese H3 rocket could not put a government-run QZS-5 navigation satellite into its intended orbit after engine trouble, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said on Monday.

Japan's flagship H3 rocket, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 7011.T, failed in its inaugural launch in 2023 but has succeeded in six subsequent flights. A rocket launch failure in Japan typically leads to months of investigations that could delay the national space programme.

 (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

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