Posted on 12/03/2009 5:33:31 AM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Japan has successfully launched another optical (picture taking) spy satellite. This one joins two other optical birds and one radar satellite. This most recent satellite launch cost $109 million. The satellite cost quite a bit more. In early 2007, Japan lost the use of one of its two radar satellites. The "No. 1 radar satellite", which went into orbit in March 2003, was supposed to last for five years. But the bird has been having electrical problems, and had to be written off. Nearly three years ago, Japan launched its fourth spy satellite into orbit, using a Japanese made rocket. The third bird was launched a few months earlier. The first two were launched in 2003. The 2006 launch was the second of two optical reconnaissance satellites. The cameras on board can make out objects as small as one meter in diameter. The best U.S. spy satellites can make out much smaller objects, but for Japan's needs then, one meter was adequate. The latest optical satellite, however, is believed capable of making our objects less than a third of a meter in diameter.
The other two birds carried radar, providing all weather coverage. Technically, the satellites are in violation of a 1969 Japanese law, which mandated Japan to only use space for non-military purposes. To get around this, these birds are technically non-military, and are not controlled by the military.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
Serves North Korea right. That is primarily who it is intended for, (in addition to the Chicoms).
Bump!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.