Japan launches ‘Optical-8’ spy satellite

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has successfully launched an H-IIA rocket carrying the Japanese government’s latest Information-Gathering satellite, “Optical-8”. The satellite is equipped with advanced optical sensors capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface.

The launch took place at Tanegashima Space Center in Japan’s Kagoshima Prefecture and marks yet another milestone for the country’s space program. The new satellite is expected to enhance Japan’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and strengthen its national security.

Equipped to capture images even in severe weather conditions, the intelligence-gathering satellite program in Japan originated in response to a North Korean missile incident over Japan in 1988. The objective is to establish a comprehensive network of 10 satellites dedicated to detecting and issuing early warnings for potential missile launches.

It was the 48th launch of Japan’s flagship launch vehicle since 2001, bringing the success rate of the rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), to 97.92%.

Japan has announced its plan to retire H-IIA after two more launches and replace it with H3. However, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has been facing difficulties during the transition phase since the first test launch of H3 failed in March last year. The second test launch of H3 is scheduled for February 15th.

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According to recent reports, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has adopted a new national security strategy, which includes a plan to deploy long-range US-made Tomahawk and other cruise missiles as early as next year.

This move is aimed at building up Japan’s strike capability and marks a significant departure from the country’s long-held principle of exclusively self-defence-only post-war policy. The primary reason cited for this policy change is the rapid advancements in weapon technology being made in China and North Korea.

The Japanese government believes that these advancements pose a serious threat to national security, and this new strategy is seen as a necessary response to the changing security landscape in the region. The deployment of Tomahawk and other cruise missiles would provide Japan with a powerful deterrent against any potential aggression from its neighbours and help maintain peace and stability in the region.