Launch Failure of the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle and Setting up a Special Task Force

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the MICHIBIKI No. 5, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5) aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) at 10:51:30 on December 22, 2025 (JST, the time is the 24-hour clock) from Tanegashima Space Center. However, the second stage engine’s second ignition failed to start normally and shut down prematurely. As a result, QZS-5 could not be put into the planned orbit, and the launch failed.

 We would like to express our deepest apology to many people and entities, particularly those related to the QZS-5, local organizations and the public, who had high expectations for this project.

 We have set up a special task force headed by President YAMAKAWA, and started investigations to find out the cause.
 We will keep updated the information.