Japan launches a new spy satellite into orbit

Japan is aiming to build its own intelligence spy satellite constellation and launched its new satellite into orbit this past Friday.

An H2-A heavy payload rocket launched around 1:44 p.m. on January 12 from Tanegashima Space Center In Kagoshima Prefecture. The launch completed all milestones followed by the deployment of the satellite in low-Earth orbit.

The satellite primarily aims to monitor neighbor activities and natural disasters.

H2-A Rocket Liftoff from Tanegashima Space Center In Kagoshima Prefecture (Image Source – Japan Times)

The rocket was jointly developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

H2-A is one of the world’s most reliable heavy payload rockets and the Japanese Space Agency is now working on the second generation of this rocket.

Tentative known as H3, the rocket is running behind the scheduled testing phase after a test launch crashed into the Philippines sea in March last year. But a new launch attempt could be set for February.

(source – JapanTimes)