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Japan Aerospace Exploration AgencyLaunch SuccessfulGovernment/Top SecretH-IIA 202
Launched 2006-09-11 04:35 UTCYoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Success
Reached Sun-Synchronous Orbit
Worldwide
41st
orbital launch attempt in 2006
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
4th
launch this year
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
3rd
launch from this pad this year
Pad turnaround
204 d 22 h
since the pad's previous launch
The IGS-Optical (Intelligence Gathering Satellite), built by Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO), is an optical reconnaissance satellite with a projected life of 5 years. The satellite will be operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The 850 kg IGS-Optical 1 is equipped with an optical sensor. The resolution is probably about 1 meter. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.

Launch Provider
Government · Japan · Founded 2003 · Administrator Hiroshi Yamakawa
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is Japan's national aero-space agency. Through the merger of three previously independent organizations, JAXA was formed on 1 October 2003. JAXA is responsible for research, technology development and the launch of satellites into orbit, and is involved in many more advanced missions, such as asteroid exploration and possible manned exploration of the Moon. JAXA launch their Epsilon vehicle from the Uchinoura Space Center and their H-II vehicles from the Tanegashima Space Center.
Launches
37
Successful
33
89%
Upcoming
2
scheduled
Height
53m
Diameter
4m
To low Earth orbit
10,000kg
Liftoff thrust
2,260kN
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ETS-9Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · H3-22 · Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2, Tanegashima Space Center, JapanGeostationary Transfer OrbitTo be determinedNET 2026
IGS Optical Diversification 1Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · H3-30 · Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-2, Tanegashima Space Center, JapanSun-Synchronous OrbitTo be determinedTime TBD