Japan launches large disaster-monitoring satellite

TOKYO: Japan yesterday launched the leading rocket in its space programme for the first time in nearly a year, putting into orbit one of the world's largest land observation satellites to monitor natural disasters.

The H-2A rocket, whose launch had been delayed several times since September due to technical problems and bad weather, lifted off from Tanegashima Space Centre in southern Japan at 10:33 am (0133 GMT) and split 16 minutes later.

"We were able to launch the H-2A rocket on time and release the satellite as we planned. We are very happy about the success," said Keiji Tachikawa, president of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

The domestically-produced rocket carries one of the largest land observation satellites, which can capture images night and day from regions hit by natural disasters.

The satellite can also be used to draft maps and survey natural resources, with the information to be shared with other Asian nations, the space agency said.

Japan spent 53.5 billion yen (US$470 million) over a decade to develop the four-ton satellite.

Japan in February 2005 successfully launched a seventh H-2A rocket with a satellite to forecast weather.

"This launch was our first firm step forward towards regaining the world's confidence in our rocket technology. We have learned from our past mistakes," said Tsukasa Mito, JAXA executive director.

While few would feel Japan needs to prove itself in technology, the world's second largest economy is looking for a share of the market in launching satellites.

"For us to compete in the international marketplace, we still have to sharpen our system as a whole," said Mamoru Endo, JAXA rocket project manager.

"We only have had a limited number of launches and we are also seeing bugs in the system.

"We had to postpone this launch for some time. But by taking firm steps like these, which insurance firms would be watching in the commercial market, I think we can make a good transition into the private launch market," Endo said.

The space agency admitted a new setback last month when it said a Japanese spacecraft likely failed on its landmark mission to collect samples from an asteroid on its first attempt.

Japan plans to launch another H-2A rocket in a month, but officials suggested it would be later than the original launch schedule of February 15.

Source: China Daily