US and Japan Launch Final Space Surveillance Sensor on Japanese Satellite
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Space Force and Japan launched the second and final Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan’s QZS-7 satellite from Tanegashima Space Center. This marks the first national security space partnership between the two countries. The sensor provides near-real-time data to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, enhancing tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit over the Indo-Pacific. Operated by Mission Delta 2, the program strengthens deterrence against peer adversaries like China.
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US Space Force Payload Launches on Japanese Navigation Satellite
On August 10, a Japanese H3 rocket launched from Tanegashima Space Center carrying the QZS-7 navigation satellite, which hosts a U.S. Space Force payload. This is the second such hosted payload on Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, following the first in February 2025. The payload will provide near real-time data on geosynchronous orbits above the Pacific, operated by Mission Delta 2 for space domain awareness. The program, based on a December 2020 US-Japan memorandum, aims to counter threats from peer adversaries like China, which has launched hundreds of satellites and practiced orbital maneuvers. Officials hailed the launch as strengthening resilience, interoperability, and the alliance's collective security in space.
US Space Force Payload Launches on Japanese Navigation Satellite
A Japanese H3 rocket launched the QZS-7 navigation satellite from Tanegashima Space Center on August 10, carrying a U.S. Space Force hosted payload. This is the second such payload on Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, following the first in February 2025. The payload, operated by Space Force's Mission Delta 2, provides near real-time data on geosynchronous orbits above the Pacific, augmenting GPS and enhancing space domain awareness. The program stems from a December 2020 memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Space Force and Japan's Office of National Space Policy. Officials hailed the launch as strengthening resilience, interoperability, and the U.S.-Japan alliance against peer adversaries like China, which has launched hundreds of satellites and practiced space 'dogfighting.' The collaboration builds trust and readiness to preserve freedom of action in space.
US Space Force Payload Launches on Japanese Navigation Satellite
On August 10, a Japanese H3 rocket launched from Tanegashima Space Center carrying the QZS-7 navigation satellite, which hosts a U.S. Space Force payload. This is the second such hosted payload in Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, following the first in February 2025. The payload will provide near real-time data on geosynchronous orbits above the Pacific, operated by Mission Delta 2 for space domain awareness. The program stems from a December 2020 memorandum of understanding between the U.S. Space Force and Japan's Office of National Space Policy. Officials hailed the launch as strengthening resilience, interoperability, and deterrence against peer adversaries, particularly China's growing space activities. The collaboration is part of broader efforts to enhance the Pentagon's Space Surveillance Network and deepen space ties with a key ally.
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US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026, from the Tanegashima Space Center. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first bilateral national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. The sensor, designed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and built by Mitsubishi Electric, will be operated by Mission Delta 2. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement and aims to enhance deterrence and security in a contested space domain.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force and Japan successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026. The payload, launched on a Japanese H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, marking the first national security space partnership between the two countries. The sensor will provide near-real-time data to the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, improving monitoring of activities in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Operated by Mission Delta 2, it will help identify and track objects in orbit. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement between the Space Force and Japan's National Space Policy Secretariat.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force and Japan successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026. The payload, launched on a Japanese H3 rocket from Tanegashima Space Center, is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, marking the first national security space partnership between the two countries. The sensor will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving the U.S. Space Force's ability to track objects and identify threats in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement between the Space Force and Japan's National Space Policy Secretariat.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026, from Tanegashima Space Center. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor to identify and track potential threats. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement between the Space Force and Japan's National Space Policy Secretariat.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026, from Tanegashima Space Center. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, enhancing tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor to identify and track orbital objects and assess potential threats. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Lincoln Laboratory designed and built both U.S. payloads. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement and demonstrates deepening U.S.-Japan alliance cooperation in space modernization and deterrence.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) from Tanegashima Space Center. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement. Officials highlighted the program's role in strengthening deterrence and addressing threats from peer adversaries in the contested space domain.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) from Tanegashima Space Center using an H3 rocket. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, enhancing tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit over the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement. Officials highlighted the program's role in strengthening deterrence and addressing threats from peer adversaries.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Enhance Space Surveillance Over Indo-Pacific
On August 10, 2026, the U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) from Tanegashima Space Center. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor. The Japanese QZS-7, built by Mitsubishi Electric, augments GPS signals over Japan. MIT's Lincoln Laboratory designed both U.S. payloads. The partnership began with a December 2020 agreement. Officials highlighted the program's role in strengthening deterrence and addressing threats from peer adversaries in the contested space domain.
US Space Force and Japan Launch Sensor to Bolster Space Surveillance Above Indo-Pacific
The U.S. Space Force successfully launched a Space Domain Awareness payload aboard Japan's Quasi-Zenith Satellite 7 (QZS-7) on August 10, 2026, from the Tanegashima Space Center using a Japanese H3 rocket. This is the second and final sensor in the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System-Hosted Payload program, the first national security space partnership between the U.S. and Japan. The payload will provide near-real-time data to the Space Surveillance Network, improving tracking of objects in geosynchronous orbit above the Indo-Pacific region. Mission Delta 2 will operate the sensor to identify potential threats. The first sensor launched in February 2025 on QZS-6. The program, designed by MIT Lincoln Laboratory and built by Mitsubishi Electric, began with a December 2020 agreement between the Space Force and Japan's National Space Policy Secretariat.