Japan plans to launch four reconnaissance satellites, with the first set for March 2003. Two satellites will carry 1m-resolution imaging systems and two will be radar satellites. Two tracking stations will be located on the islands of Kyushu and Hokkaido, with an operations centre in Tokyo and a data centre in Ubariki to be in place by the end of March 2002. Japan will buy US components for the $1.83 billion system.
Source: Flight International