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2025 · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Michibiki 5 (QZS-5)

failureH3-22 | Michibiki 5 (QZS-5)

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.

Overview

Date / time
December 22, 2025 at 01:51 AM UTC
Outcome
failure
Launch site
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2
Mission
Michibiki 5 (QZS-5)
Mission type
Navigation
Orbit achieved
Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
Failure2nd stage liquid hydrogen tank pressure abnormally start decreasing after fairing separation, leading up to 2nd stage 1st burn 27 seconds longer than planned & engine shutting down 1 second into 2nd burn. Payload stranded in LEO and re-entered shortly after.
Launch vehicle
H3-22 →
Launch provider
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries →