Japan successfully launches an intelligence-gathering satellite to watch for North Korean missiles

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Japan has successfully launched a rocket carrying a government intelligence-gathering satellite on a mission to watch movements at military sites in North Korea and improve natural disaster response. The H2A rocket, launched by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in southwestern Japan on Friday. It was carrying the optical satellite as part of Tokyo’s reconnaissance and military buildup. A launch is also planned of a new flagship H3 rocket, developed by Mitsubishi and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, following its failed first test flight last year.