Japan launched a satellite that could identify 1m objects, take night photos

On the morning of January 18, Japan launched a satellite observing the Earth to orbit to collect images of deforestation, areas affected by natural disasters .

The satellite named Asnaro-2, developed by NEC electronics company with the support of the Japanese Ministry of Industry. It can identify objects as small as 1 meter in width and take pictures at night even in cloudy conditions.

Asnaro-2's mission is to provide images of areas affected by natural disasters or deforestation for research institutes and local governments.

Asnaro-2's mission is to provide images of areas affected by natural disasters.(Photo: Japan Aerospace Development Research Agency).

According to Spaceflightinsider, according to the Asnaro-2 plan will be launched on November 12, 2017, but must be postponed due to technical problems. By January 16, 2018, the launch was delayed again due to bad weather.

The Japan Aerospace Development Research Agency (JAXA) said Asnaro-2 was launched by Epsilon-3 boosters. This type of rocket uses solid fuel, is smaller in size than other missiles and is equipped with artificial intelligence technology.

This helps reduce operating costs and manpower because the Epsilon missile can be controlled from the ground with just two computers, and allows for more frequent launches than H-2A missiles and H-2B uses liquid fuel.

JAXA experts predict the need to launch small satellites will increase, while hoping to successfully launch Epsilon-3 will help increase orders.