IGS-Radar Spare

This radar surveillance satellite was launched as an on-orbit backup for the IGS-Radar constellation. The IGS-Radar 3, 4 & 5 (Intelligence Gathering Satellite), are the second generation of Japanese radar reconnaissance satellites. The satellite are operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The satellite serves both Japan's national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring. Reportedly, the satellite has a ground resolution of less than 1 m.