Japan launches back-up spy satellite
A reserve spy satellite was launched by Japan from its Tanegashima Space Centre on 1 February 2015.
Following a three-day delay due to bad weather a two-stage H-IIA 202 carrier rocket lifted the Mitsubishi Electric-built satellite equipped with a second-generation radar into orbit. Details of the satellite’s exact capabilities remain secret.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) confirmed that the rocket launched normally. The H-IIA rocket has only failed once in 26 flights to date.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that the government will build a reliable system for gathering information in order to
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