Japan joins neighborhood watch, launches spy satellite on Mitsubishi rocket

has successfully launched an H IIA rocket carrying Japan's Information Gathering Satellite "Optical 8." This marks the 48th launch of Japan's flagship launch vehicle since 2001, with an impressive success rate of 97.92%, according to the company's statement on social media X.

Japan plans to retire the after two more launches and replace it with the H3 rocket. However, the transition has faced challenges since JAXA's first test launch of H3 failed in March last year. The second test launch of H3 is scheduled for February 15, 2024, as Japan aims to continue its advancements in space exploration and satellite technology.

SpaceX launches South Korean spy satellite On December 2, made headlines by successfully launching South Korea's first spy satellite from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The launch came shortly after North Korea achieved the launch of its military reconnaissance satellite the previous month.

South Korea's defense ministry reported that the satellite, equipped with electro optical and infrared capabilities, established communication with an overseas ground station shortly after orbit. This success adds to South Korea's efforts to develop independent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

South Korea, having used its domestically produced for a mission capable satellite in May, has contracted with SpaceX to launch five spy satellites by 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the nation's ability to monitor the Korean peninsula around the clock. "With this successful launch of the military satellite, our military has secured independent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities," stated South Korea's defense ministry.

The country is also developing a micro satellite system for rapid monitoring and early warning. North Korea's ambitious plans North Korea has announced ambitious plans to launch three new spy satellites, build military drones, and bolster its nuclear arsenal. Leader Kim Jong Un expressed concerns about the US policy, stating that it makes war inevitable, as reported by state media on December 31.

Kim ordered the military to be prepared to "pacify the entire territory of South Korea," including with nuclear bombs if necessary, in response to any potential attack. This announcement comes ahead of pivotal elections in both South Korea and the United States, with experts predicting North Korea's continued campaign of military pressure for leverage.

The US has responded to North Korea's actions by increasing drills and deploying more military assets near the Korean peninsula. President Joe Biden's administration expresses openness to talks but has imposed new sanctions as North Korea continues missile tests banned under sanctions. South Korea's defense ministry strongly condemned North Korea's plans for nuclear ambitions, stating that any attempt to use nuclear weapons would be met with overwhelming retaliation, leveraging the ROK U.S.

alliance and the three axis system. As tensions rise in the region, Kim emphasized the need to press forward with nuclear ambitions and deepen relations with countries opposing the United States, citing North Korea's ties with China and Russia. In conclusion, the recent developments in space activities by Japan, South Korea, and North Korea, reported by , underscore the region's geopolitical significance, with technological advancements, military posturing, and diplomatic tensions shaping the narrative for the coming year..