The Japanese government said it launched its fifth spy satellite on 28th November, in a bid to boost its ability to independently gather intelligence. The country has long relied on the U.S. for intelligence.

Japan launched its first pair of spy satellites in 2003, prompted by the concerns over North Korea’s missile program. North Korea shocked Tokyo, when it test-fired a missile over Japan, in 1998. Since then, the country has launched spy satellites primarily to watch development in North Korea.

In April this year, a North Korean long-range rocket flew over Japan and landed in the Pacific Ocean.

Hisashi Michigami, an official at the Cabinet Office said the domestically developed H-2A rocket carrying the USD 565 million satellite lifted off from a space centre on the southern island of Tanegashima.

He said “The satellite will gather intelligence for our defense and diplomatic purposes”.

He further said the launch was successful.