Japan has deployed two spy satellites for monitoring North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs in Earth's orbit for the first time. When the satellites were launched from the very small island of Tanegashima in southern Japan, hundreds of police and several Japanese naval vessels were on guard in the surrounding waters to prevent any potential terrorist attacks. This program, costing two billion dollars, was implemented by Japan after North Korea surprised and alarmed the country in 1998 by launching a test of a long-range ballistic missile over Japan, which fell into the Pacific Ocean. Japan plans to send two more satellites into orbit later this year. The North Korean government has protested this action by Japan.
Deployment of Two Japanese Spy Satellites in Earth's Orbit - 2003-03-28
Japan has launched two spy satellites to monitor North Korea's weapons programs, a move prompted by North Korea's previous missile tests. The launch was heavily guarded to prevent terrorism, and Japan plans to deploy two more satellites this year. North Korea has expressed objections to Japan's actions.
👥 Key Players
⚡ Actions
📰 What Happened
Japan deployed two spy satellites to monitor North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
- Japan announce North Korea
- North Korea protest Japan
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Japan's satellite deployment marks a significant step in its defense capabilities.
📝 Key Evidence
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%