The Japanese government could launch an early warning satellite that can detect missile launches abroad by 2013. It also wants to increase the number of reconnaissance satellites from the current three to four. The Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy of the Japanese Cabinet Office finalised a five-year space policy plan Monday.
Japan is mulling an early warning satellite that can detect missile launches, a government official said Wednesday, amid worries about North Korea's missile power. Pyongyang launched a rocket on April 5, which Japan saw as a disguised missile test. The launch has sparked calls for Japan to consider possessing an early warning satellite and beefing up its missile shield.