Japan launches defense communications satellite

ISTANBUL

Japan on Monday launched a new communications satellite, marking the nation’s third successful launch this year, an official statement said.

An H3 rocket carried the defense satellite to an orbit of around 36,000 kilometers (22,369 miles). The satellite is intended to strengthen communications for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, joining two others already in orbit.

The launch vehicle flew as planned, said the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in a statement, adding that the X-band satellite-3 successfully separated from the rocket.

The H3 series is the successor to the H2A vehicles, which have supported Japan’s space development for over 20 years. The H2A is expected to retire after a final launch, possibly by the end of March.