みちびき
JAXA is developing the Michibiki Space Certification System as part of the J-SPARC effort.
In construction and infrastructure maintenance, Michibiki could authenticate site logs, inspections, and completion verification records.
In agriculture, Michibiki could support certification of product origin.
JAXA, Spacid, and BIPROGY have started a commercial demonstration to certify the origin, location, and time of acquisition of digital data through the Michibiki satellite system.
Michibiki introduced a signal authentication service in April 2024.
In logistics, Michibiki could be used to certify unattended deliveries, international goods transfers, and shipment-status records.
Michibiki-generated geolocated information could be used in digital payment systems.
JAXA is strengthening ground-based authentication infrastructure, including space certification authorities, to validate information from Michibiki.
JAXA set the launch of the QZS-7 "Michibiki 7" navigation satellite on H3 rocket No. 9 for August 7, 2026, with a planned launch window of 4:30 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time.
The QZS-7 "Michibiki 7" navigation satellite is bound for an almost-geostationary orbit.
Excessive shock during fairing separation caused the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite to separate from the rocket too early and burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
JAXA’s investigation found that the December failure to deliver the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite to orbit was caused by an anomaly with the payload adapter.
The NET August 6 H3 launch will carry QZS-7, also known as Michibiki-7.
Japan’s H3 rocket suffered a failure in its December launch carrying the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite.
In November 2022, AeroNext conducted a joint project with the National Institute of Technology, Hiroshima College of Maritime Technology to coordinate an autonomous vessel and a drone using the Michibiki quasi-zenith satellite.
An H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite experienced an upper stage malfunction and reentered within hours, apparently with the satellite still attached.
A shock from the H3 fairing separation damaged the Michibiki 5 satellite and its payload adaptor, which fell into the upper stage and damaged propellant lines, creating a leak.
Damage to the Michibiki No. 5 mounting section caused the satellite to detach prematurely during the second-stage burn and damaged the second-stage engine’s fuel tubing, leading to an early combustion cutoff.
JAXA has suspended all upcoming H3 launches, including the ninth flight (H3 F9) that was scheduled to carry Michibiki No. 7.
Images show the Michibiki 5 satellite falling off the upper stage when it separated from the first stage.