Japan has successfully launched a rocket carrying another satellite to join the country's own version of a satellite positioning system.

The H3 rocket carrying the Michibiki satellite lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

About 30 minutes after liftoff, the satellite detached from the launch vehicle.

This was the fourth consecutive successful launch of the H3. The rocket was improved after the first launch failed in 2023.

Japan has been operating the positioning system with four Michibiki satellites orbiting around the earth. The system is similar to the Global Positioning System, which sends positioning information used by smartphones and car navigation systems.

The Japanese satellites also distribute earthquake and other alerts to areas outside the reach of other radio communications.

The Japanese government plans to increase the number of satellites in its positioning system to seven. It says the completion of the project will allow Japan to provide positioning information without depending on foreign satellites.