Japan launched its first pair of spy satellites in 2003, prompted by concerns over North Korea's missile program. It previously launched two radar intelligence satellites, but both malfunctioned. The satellite launched Monday is expected to begin gathering intelligence in a few months, an official with the Cabinet Satellite Information Center told The Associated Press. Japan successfully put a spy satellite into orbit on Monday and expects to complete its network of intelligence-gathering satellites with another launch next year.
Officials refused to provide details of the satellite's capabilities. The satellite launched Monday is expected to begin gathering intelligence in a few months, an official with the Cabinet Satellite Information Center told The Associated Press. apan's space agency, JAXA, has launched an H-2A rocket carrying an optical satellite from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan. Japan began its spy satellite programme following North Korea's 1998 launch of a ballistic missile that flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean.
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