Japan launches IGS Optical 8 spy satellite into orbit
Japan launches IGS Optical 8 reconnaissance satellite into orbit. This is Japan’s first space launch in 2024, Space reports.
An H-2A rocket carrying the IGS Optical 8 satellite was launched from the Tanegashima Cosmodrome on January 12 at 06:44 Kyiv time.
According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which built and operates the H-2A rocket, the launch was successful.
“The rocket completed the planned flight and successfully separated the optical data collection satellite No. 8,” Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Like other IGS satellites, IGS Optical 8 will be operated by the Satellite Information Center of the Cabinet of Ministers of Japan.
It is noted that IGS satellites are used “both for Japan’s national defense and for civilian monitoring of natural disasters.”
This launch was the 48th for the H-2A rocket, which began operating in 2001. So far, the rocket has failed only once – during the launch of the IGS 2 satellite in November 2003.
