Japan launches spysats
Posted: Fri, Mar 28, 2003, 8:52 AM ET (1352 GMT)
A Japanese rocket successfully launched Friday that nation's first two military reconnaissance satellites. The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 8:27 pm EST Thursday (0127 UT, 10:27 am local time). It placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit the Information Gathering Satellites (IGS) 1a and 1b. One of the satellites is believed to have a camera capable of taking images with a resolution of about one meter per pixel, while the other has a synthetic aperture radar system. Security was ramped up considerably for the launch, with Japanese space agency NASDA, which conducts H-2A launches, offering little publicity about the launch. Although Japan previously used space exclusively for peaceful purposes, the Japanese government decided to go ahead with the IGS system after North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan in 1998. North Korea sharply criticized the launch, calling it a provocative move by Japan. Some experts believe North Korea might respond to the IGS launch with another ballistic missile test, but no such launch has yet to occur. Friday's launch was the fifth for the H-2A; all have been successful.
A Japanese rocket successfully launched Friday that nation's first two military reconnaissance satellites. The H-2A rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center at 8:27 pm EST Thursday (0127 UT, 10:27 am local time). It placed into a Sun-synchronous orbit the Information Gathering Satellites (IGS) 1a and 1b. One of the satellites is believed to have a camera capable of taking images with a resolution of about one meter per pixel, while the other has a synthetic aperture radar system. Security was ramped up considerably for the launch, with Japanese space agency NASDA, which conducts H-2A launches, offering little publicity about the launch. Although Japan previously used space exclusively for peaceful purposes, the Japanese government decided to go ahead with the IGS system after North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan in 1998. North Korea sharply criticized the launch, calling it a provocative move by Japan. Some experts believe North Korea might respond to the IGS launch with another ballistic missile test, but no such launch has yet to occur. Friday's launch was the fifth for the H-2A; all have been successful.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Pentagon places head of Space Development Agency on leave for investigation
Posted: Sun, Jan 19 10:25 AM ET (1525 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, January 20
Lunar lander designed by Cedar Park-based company completes successful first burn
KVUE-TV Austin, TX — 6:05 am ET (1105 GMT) Rocket Lab Lands Pair of Contracts
Los Angeles Business Journal — 6:04 am ET (1104 GMT) Delta flight DL480 entered restricted area forcing SpaceX to scrub launch of its Falcon 9
Airlive — 6:00 am ET (1100 GMT) Aircraft Forces SpaceX to Scrub Rocket Countdown at Vandenberg SFB
Noozhawk — 5:59 am ET (1059 GMT) 'Are those shooting stars?' Watch stunning aftermath of SpaceX's Starship rocket breakup
USA Today — 5:57 am ET (1057 GMT) |
