Tags: Japan, Satellite Launch, North Korea
Publication: MSNBC.MSN.com
Publication Date: 01/27/2013

An H2-A rocket carrying two satellites lifts off from its launch pad at Tanegashima Space Center, southwestern Japan on Sunday. Image credit: Kyodo-Newsis

Japan has successfully launched two intelligence satellites on Sunday amid growing concerns that North Korea might conduct additional long-range rocket tests as well as nuclear tests. The two satellites, an operational radar satellite and an experimental optical probe, were launched aboard the indigenous H2-A rocket and appear to have reached orbit.

Japan officially started its intelligence satellite program in 1998 after North Korea fired a long-range missile over Japanese mainland. More recently, the Korean nation successfully launched a rocket in December 2012, which placed a supposed satellite in orbit, which experts have catalogued as defunct.

While the Japanese launch was planned long before North Korea’s latest move, the new intelligence satellite highlights Japan’s suspicion toward its dangerous neighbor. Even though Japan still relies on the U.S. for much of its intelligence, it is reported that the radar satellite is intended to expand the country’s constellation and can provide data through cloud cover and at night. The optical probe will be used to test new technology and improvements for Japan’s surveillance capabilities.

Besides expanding its surveillance capabilities, the country has cooperated with the U.S. in establishing a missile defense shield due to North Korea’s threat.

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