Defence Japan successfully launches spy satellite to watch for North Korean missiles

Japan successfully launched a rocket carrying a government intelligence-gathering satellite on Friday, 12 January. The H2A rocket, launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., lifted off from Tanegashima Space Centre in southwestern Japan. The Optical-8 satellite is part of Tokyo's reconnaissance effort to rapidly build up its military capability and watch movements at military sites in North Korea. The government's Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center and MHI declared the launch a success, stating that the Optical-8 satellite was successfully separated from the rocket and entered its planned orbit.

The optical satellite can capture detailed images, though its capability is limited in severe weather. Japan began the intelligence-gathering satellite program after a North Korean missile flew over Japan in 1998. Japan aims to set up a network of 10 satellites, including those carrying radars operating at night or in severe weather, to spot and provide early warning for possible missile launches. [...] Yasuda said it would take several months for the satellite to supply information.

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