Spy Satellite Race in Asia Heats Up With Japan Rocket Launch
- China and the Koreas also looking to increase orbital probes
- Two more H2-As remain as Japan struggles to debut new rocket
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A rocket carrying the latest addition to Japan’s network of spy satellites has reached orbit, a major step for the island nation as its neighbors also look to strengthen their surveillance capabilities in space.
The H2-A heavy payload rocket, co-developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., took off around 1:44 p.m. local time Friday.