Japan launches advanced satellite capable of detecting security risks.

In a live broadcast, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced that the H3-3 rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center on an island southwest of Japan, separating from its first stage after about 5 minutes and delivering the satellite about 16 minutes later, placing it into its target orbit as planned.

The Advanced Earth Observatory Satellite, or ALOS-4, is primarily tasked with observing the Earth and collecting data for disaster response, as well as 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 the Japanese Ministry of Defense .

Japan's H3 rocket lifts off from the Tanegashima Space Center on July 1. Photo: Kyodo News

JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa hailed the successful launch on July 1st as a "major first step" toward securing Japan's space access and international competitiveness. "I believe that two consecutive successful flights will help build confidence both domestically and internationally."

Makoto Arita, Project Director of JAXA's H3 Project, 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 in the near future.

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

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

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

MHI will eventually take over the production and launching 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.

Koji Shimura, Project Director of H3 at MHI's defense and space segment, said: "We will continue to improve on our track record of success and earn the trust of our customers."

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