Japan has introduced an advanced satellite for earth observation that is capable of monitoring military movements

On Monday, JAXA successfully launched a new observation satellite into orbit using the H3 rocket, showcasing its user-friendly features.

Cheers erupted in the launch control center at Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture as JAXA officials hugged each other in celebration of the third successful H3 rocket launch. The H3 was transporting the Daichi-4 satellite, also called the Advanced Land Observing Satellite-4, developed by JAXA and Mitsubishi Electric after the failure of Daichi-3 in a previous H3 launch in March the year before.

Makoto Arita, the manager of the JAXA H3 project team, described the launch as perfect, giving it a score of 100 out of 100.

The H3 rocket followed a predetermined path, dividing into two sections and deploying the satellite in space, while the leftover parts of the rocket landed in the Indian Ocean.

Last year in February, the initial H3 launch attempt was canceled just before liftoff. Another try failed the next month when the rocket's second-stage engine didn't ignite, leading the agency to make a self-destruct decision shortly after liftoff. In February, JAXA successfully launched the H3 rocket for the first time.

The Tokyo-headquartered startup Space One was unable to achieve the title of Japan's initial private company to launch a satellite into space as its solid-fuel Kairos rocket burst into flames shortly after liftoff in March.

Japan sees a reliable and economically strong ability for space transportation as crucial for both its space program and national security requirements.JAXA had originally scheduled to launch the H3 rocket with Daichi-4 on Sunday, but it was postponed due to unfavorable weather.

The Daichi-4, designed for detailed monitoring of Earth, had a development cost of approximately ¥32 billion. It has a 200-kilometer observation range, four times more than the Daichi-2. This wide variety enables it to effectively monitor even during nighttime and in unfavorable weather conditions.

The satellite can identify ground deformation, landslides, and the consequences of natural disasters like heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. After disasters, it can quickly assess the damage extent as well.

Moreover, the Daichi-4 is capable of monitoring the movements of ships through its receiver for Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals. AIS enables the automatic transfer of crucial details such as call signs, names, positions, courses, speeds, and destinations of ships. This system improves communication and information sharing between vessels and also between ships and land-based stations.