Japan today launched a defense satellite into orbit designed for faster communications and conducting military operations. It was launched with the new "H Three" launch vehicle. (H3), reported the Associated Press, quoted by BTA.
The agency notes that Japan is seeking to increase its military capacity amid rising tensions in the region.
The rocket "H Three" Number 4 (H3 No. 4), developed by "Mitsubishi Heavy Industries" (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.), took off from the space center "Tanegashima" in southwestern Japan. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency notes that everything went according to plan and the satellite was successfully launched into the target orbit.
The rocket carried a satellite of the Ministry of Defense - "Karameki-3" (Karameki No. 3), which uses "X-band" communication (ultra-high frequency radio waves within a certain range) for information and data exchange, as well as for military operations and command. A satellite using a similar type of radio waves is less affected by weather conditions and is able to maintain more stable communication. "Karameki-3" follows two earlier "X-band" satellites already in operation to meet Tokyo's growing communication requirements and improve its satellite operations.
Major General Yasuhiro Kato, head of the "Systems" in the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, said in a joint online press conference from Tanegashima Island that the triple satellite communication system through the "X-band" will enable high-speed data transmission and high-capacity communication between Japan's land, sea and air forces for self-defense, as well as with units deployed overseas on peacekeeping missions or exercises.
"This will further contribute to Japan's national security and the operational capacity of the Self-Defense Forces," Kato said.
An official representative of the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Japan stated that the "Karameki-3" will become operational by the end of March after being moved into a designated geostationary orbit over Japan and tested, joining the other two UHF satellites located at currently undisclosed locations.
Japan is accelerating the strengthening of its military capabilities as part of its 2022 national security strategy, which calls for Japanese troops to play a greater role in regional defense amid growing activity by China, North Korea and Russia, the AP noted. .
Today's launch was scheduled for October 20 and took place after four postponements of the operation due to technical malfunctions and adverse weather conditions. Major General Yasuhiro Kato said the delay had not affected Japan's security and defense capabilities.