2006 · Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
The IGS-Optical (Intelligence Gathering Satellite), built by Mitsubishi Electric (MELCO), is an optical reconnaissance satellite with a projected life of 5 years. The satellite will be operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The 850 kg IGS-Optical 1 is equipped with an optical sensor. The resolution is probably about 1 meter. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.