Japan has launched a rocket with an artificial satellite for integration into the national satellite navigation system. According to information from Japanese broadcaster NHK, the H3 rocket with the Michibiki synchronous satellite was launched from the Tanegashima space center in the Kagoshima prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Friday at 17:30 local time. The satellite separated from the rocket approximately 30 minutes after liftoff.
The Japanese government plans to increase the number of artificial satellites in its navigation system to seven; it believes that completing the project will allow for the acquisition of data on positioning without relying on foreign satellites.