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H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 2

IGS Optical 2

Launch Successful

Launch Details

Date: 11 Sept 2006, 04:35 am UTC

Rocket: H-IIA (H-II)

Provider: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Mission

Type: Government/Top Secret

Orbit: Sun-Synchronous Orbit

Pad: Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan

Mission Description

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.