NSSDCA/COSPAR ID: 2017-015A
Japanese government officials have not disclosed the exact capabilities of the radar spy satellite, but the radar instrument aboard the surveillance orbiter can likely resolve objects on the ground as small as a meter, or around 3 feet, in size.
The Information Gathering Satellite, named IGS Radar 5, is Japan’s sixth radar reconnaissance satellite. Japan’s government surveillance observatories in orbit are part of a program run by the Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center, which reports directly to the Japanese government’s executive leadership. Japanese officials say data from the Information Gathering Satellites support civilian applications, such as responding to natural disasters.
Thursday’s launch was the 33rd flight of an H-2A rocket, and the second H-2A launch this year.
Launch Date: 2017-03-17
Launch Vehicle: H-2A
Launch Site: Tanegashima, Japan
Questions and comments about this spacecraft can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office