Japan launches information-gathering satellite

ISTANBUL

Japan on Thursday launched an information-gathering satellite into space to be used for national security purposes.

The satellite was launched aboard H2A liquid-fuel rocket from Japan's space center on Tanegashima Island in southwestern Kagoshima province.

It was 49th launch of the rocket, jointly developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

Earlier, the launch of reconnaissance satellite was postponed twice due to weather conditions.

The satellite will be used for national security, as well as to assess damage following large-scale disasters.