Japan launches H3 rocket carrying positioning satellite

TOKYO -- Japan on Tuesday launched an H3 rocket and put a positioning satellite into orbit, local media reported.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the 57-meter-tall H3 rocket No. 9 from the Tanegashima Space Center on Tanegashima, a small island in southwestern Japan, at 4:23 a.m. local time on Tuesday, carrying the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite, Kyodo News reported.

The No. 9 flight of the large mainstay rocket entered its planned trajectory and released the Michibiki No. 7 positioning satellite about 30 minutes after liftoff, the report said.

The launch, initially scheduled for last Friday, was moved to Monday due to a passing typhoon, then pushed back an additional day because of inclement weather around the launch site.

Michibiki is a Japanese satellite designed to enhance GPS accuracy for smartphones, car navigation systems, and other location-based services. Five Michibiki satellites are currently providing positioning service.