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Story summary
- The H3 rocket failed to reach orbit due to a premature engine shutdown on December 21, 2025, during the Michibiki No. 5 mission.
- JAXA launched the rocket from Tanegashima Space Center at 10:51 a.m. local time.
- State Minister Shigeki Kobayashi expressed regret and called for a thorough investigation.
- The failure is a setback for Japan's plan to establish a seven-satellite positioning system to improve GPS accuracy and emergency alerts.
