IGS-4A (R-3)

Also called: IGS-Radar 3 (IGS Radar-2 ?)
IGS = Information Gathering Satellite.

Designation	30586 / 07005A
Launch date	24 Feb 2007 - 04:41 UT
Launch site	Tanegashima, YLP-1
Launch vehicle	H-2A-2024 (#19)
Mission	Government: reconnaissance - radar
Near-polar Sun-Synchronous Earth orbit on Apr 8.03:
Perigee / Apogee	484 x 491 km
Eccentricity	5,10E-04
Inclination	97.33°
Period	94.35 min

3rd Information Gathering Satellite Radar (IGS-2 lost in Nov 2003 launch failure)

Prime contractor	Mitsubishi Electric
Operator	Cabinet Satellite Intelligence Center (CSIC)
Platform
Mass at launch	850 kg
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape
Dimension (m)
Solar array
Stabilization
DC power

A radar spy satellite impervious to darkness and a second-generation craft with optical cameras were successfully launched into space Saturday to begin top secret reconnaissance missions for the Japanese government. The radar craft is the second such satellite to be orbited in Japan's spy satellite program. Two other satellites with optical instruments were launched in 2003 and last year. The third optical spacecraft launched Saturday reportedly features upgraded imaging capabilities, according to Japanese media agencies.

Liftoff of the two-stage H-2A rocket was at 0441 GMT (11:41 p.m. EST Friday) from the Yoshinobu launch complex at the Tanegashima space center.
The H2A rocket serial number F-12 used the 2024 version with two large and four small strapons, and the 4/4D-LC fairing which releases into orbit the upper satellite adapter and two side lower fairing panels as well as the two payloads.
Experimental satellite - optical reconnaissance; six-month engineering mission.

Ref.: #3(SD498), #7(JR577), #206, #226, #228 - update: 13.01.15