Japan sends spy satellite into orbit
2011-09-23 14:15
Tokyo - Japan's latest spy satellite was successfully put into orbit after separating from its rocket, local media reported.
The H-2 rocket carrying the satellite blasted off at 13:36 (04:36 GMT) from the Space Centre on the southern island of Tanegashima, Kyodo News said.
Japan had already put three similar satellites in orbit after a 1998 test missile launch by North Korea. The satellite launched on Friday was to replace the second one, which has reached the end of its serviceable life, Kyodo said.
Japan spent ¥35.9bn ($471m) on the development of the latest satellite, with launch expenses coming to ¥10.4bn, Kyodo reported.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, the nation's largest defence contractor, had been forced to postpone the launch three times during the past four weeks due to a system glitch and a powerful typhoon, Kyodo said.
- SAPA