Japan launches advanced satellite that can detect security risks

In a livestream, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said the H3 No. 3 rocket took off from the Tanegashima Space Center on an island southwest of Japan, leaving the first stage after about five minutes and separating the satellite about 16 minutes later, sending it into its target orbit as planned.

The Advanced Land Observing Satellite, or ALOS-4, is primarily tasked with Earth observation and data collection for disaster response and mapping, including volcanic and seismic activity and other ground movements. The satellite is also capable of monitoring military activity, such as missile launches, using infrared sensors developed by Japan's Ministry of Defense.

Japan's H3 rocket lifts off from the launch pad at Tanegashima Space Center, July 1. Photo: Kyodo News

JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa hailed the successful launch on July 1 as a “first big step” toward securing Japan’s access to space and its international competitiveness. “I believe that two successive successful flights will help build trust at home and abroad.”

JAXA's H3 Project Manager Makoto Arita said the mission was "almost a perfect success".

ALOS-4 is the successor to the current ALOS-2 and can observe a much wider area. Japan will operate both for the time being.

This launch was the third for the H3 system, following a successful launch on February 17 and a shocking maiden flight failure a year earlier, when the rocket was forced to self-destruct along with a satellite believed to be ALOS-3.

Japan sees stable and commercially competitive space transport capabilities as key to its space program and national security.

JAXA and prime contractor Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) developed the H3 launch system as a successor to its current mainstay, the H-2A, which will be retired after two more flights.

MHI will eventually take over production and launch of the H3 from JAXA and hopes to make it a commercially viable system by cutting launch costs to about half that of the H-2A.

"We will continue to improve our track record of success and gain trust from customers," said Koji Shimura, H3 project manager at MHI's defense and space division.

Ngoc Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhat-ban-phong-ve-tinh-tien-tien-co-the-phat-hien-tham-hoa-va-rui-ro-an-ninh-post301913.html