Views of Japan’s latest spy satellite launch
On Monday Japan launched a new spy satellite. From looking at the opening sections of several international news sources, we can see a few different viewpoints:
TANEGASHIMA, Japan, Sept. 11 (UPI) — Japan-U.S. intelligence sharing on North Korean nuclear activities is about to get a boost with the launching of a new Japnese satellite.
Kyodo News Agency a launch of the satellite from Japan’s Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture was taking place Monday after a one-day delay.
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) — Japan launched its third intelligence-gathering satellite on Monday, enhancing its ability to monitor neighboring North Korea two months after Pyongyang shocked the region with a barrage of missile tests.
China’s People’s Daily:
Japan successfully launched a spy satellite with an H-2A rocket on Monday from Tanegashima Space Center in southern Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said.
The intelligence-gathering satellite, which was launched at 1:35 p.m. (0435 GMT), has separated from the rocket and been sent into a preconcerted orbit as planned, the agency said.
South Korea’s OhmyNews, from an article with the headline Japan’s ‘Peaceful’ Spy Satellites:
Ostensibly for peaceful, non-military purposes, Japan has successfully launched its third intelligence-gathering satellite as part of recently revved-up efforts to boost its defense capabilities, either on its own or with its closest ally, the United States.
South Korea’s Hankyoreh:
Japan is going ahead with its moves to use outer space for military purposes. On September 11, Japan placed into orbit its third surveillance satellite, equipped with optical cameras used for military surveillance purposes. Its fourth satellite for such surveillance is planned to be fired into space early next year.
After reading the first few articles, I thought Japan’s satellite was going to be used to keep an eye on North Korea, which most nations regard as a major threat to the region. However, those last two articles have convinced me: Japan is the real threat. It’s a good thing that some media sources are willing to expose Japan’s sneaky agenda.
