Japan launches 2 intelligence satellites
Source: Agencies |
January 28, 2013, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
JAPAN launched two intelligence satellites into orbit yesterday amid growing concerns that North Korea is planning to test more rockets of its own and possibly conduct a nuclear test.
Officials say the launch yesterday of the domestically produced HII-A rocket went smoothly and the satellites - an operational radar satellite and an experimental optical probe - appeared to have reached orbit.
Japan began its intelligence satellite program after North Korea fired a long-range missile over Japan's main island in 1998. North Korea conducted a launch last month that it says carried a satellite into orbit but has been condemned by the US and others as a cover for its missile technology work.
The latest Japanese launch was in the planning stages long before the current increase in tensions with North Korea, but underscores Japan's wariness of its isolated neighbor's abilities and intentions.
The radar satellite, which can provide intelligence through cloud cover and at night, is intended to augment a network of several probes that Japan already has in orbit. The optical probe will be used to test future technology and improvements that would allow Japan to strengthen its surveillance capabilities.
Japan still relies on the US for much of its intelligence.
Its optical satellites are believed to be as good as commercial satellites, meaning they can detect objects of about 40 centimeters in size from their orbits.
Officials say the launch yesterday of the domestically produced HII-A rocket went smoothly and the satellites - an operational radar satellite and an experimental optical probe - appeared to have reached orbit.
Japan began its intelligence satellite program after North Korea fired a long-range missile over Japan's main island in 1998. North Korea conducted a launch last month that it says carried a satellite into orbit but has been condemned by the US and others as a cover for its missile technology work.
The latest Japanese launch was in the planning stages long before the current increase in tensions with North Korea, but underscores Japan's wariness of its isolated neighbor's abilities and intentions.
The radar satellite, which can provide intelligence through cloud cover and at night, is intended to augment a network of several probes that Japan already has in orbit. The optical probe will be used to test future technology and improvements that would allow Japan to strengthen its surveillance capabilities.
Japan still relies on the US for much of its intelligence.
Its optical satellites are believed to be as good as commercial satellites, meaning they can detect objects of about 40 centimeters in size from their orbits.
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