MISSION NAME
IGS Optical 3 3
Status
Success
DATE
28 NOV 2009
LAUNCH PROVIDER
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Launch Pad
Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
Description
The IGS Optical 3 is a Japanese optical reconnaissance satellite. The satellite is operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.
H-IIA 202
Rocket Description
H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.