On January 7 local time, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency announced that the launch of the H3 Rocket No.9, originally scheduled for February 1, would be postponed. The agency stated that the postponement was to identify the cause of the failed launch of the H3 Rocket No.8 on December 22, 2025, and to assess its impact on subsequent rockets. During the launch mission of Rocket No.8, the rocket's second-stage engine ceased combustion shortly after its second ignition, resulting in the failure of the onboard 'Michibiki No.5' satellite to enter its intended orbit.
