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A Japanese spy satellite was launched into space less than an hour ago from the Yoshinobu Launch Complex at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC). The 19th H-IIA rocket (in the 202 configuration, i.e. using only two SRB-A single segment SRBs) lifted off the pad at 04:36 UTC / 13:36 JST, sending the IGS-Optical-4 satellite into orbit (presumably a polar one). The launch was declared a success by several news reports.
The Japanese have a bit of trouble for their own spysat programme: two failed to reach orbit in 2003, and a radar satellite failed in mid-2010 after operating for just three years. This one apparently carries optical cameras for surveillance of the West Pacific region.
Links:
Chris Bergin, NASASpaceflight.com: Japanese H-2A launches with new IGS military satellite
Gunter's Space Page: IGS-Optical 1, 2, 3 (the preceding series of Japan optical spysats)
(in Japanese) A pre-flight news report by NHK
Photos: (by Koumei Shibata)
The Japanese have a bit of trouble for their own spysat programme: two failed to reach orbit in 2003, and a radar satellite failed in mid-2010 after operating for just three years. This one apparently carries optical cameras for surveillance of the West Pacific region.
Links:
Chris Bergin, NASASpaceflight.com: Japanese H-2A launches with new IGS military satellite
Gunter's Space Page: IGS-Optical 1, 2, 3 (the preceding series of Japan optical spysats)
(in Japanese) A pre-flight news report by NHK
Photos: (by Koumei Shibata)
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