Japan successfully launches GPS satellite into space

The H-2A rocket lifted off at 11:19 a.m. (0219 GMT) from the Tanegashima Space Center in the country's south, and the new Michibiki satellite was put into orbit about 30 minutes after liftoff, according to the JAXA.

The new satellite, the fifth in its kind, will replace the aging Michibiki No. 1 satellite that was launched in 2010. It will work with three other existing Michibiki satellites and complement US global positioning (GPS) data network to help provide more accurate positioning and timing services in Japan.