MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES

H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8

SUCCESSJan 12, 2024 at 04:44 UTCH-IIA →
PADYoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1
SITETanegashima Space Center, Japan →
ORBITSun-Synchronous Orbit
TYPEGovernment/Top Secret

The IGS Optical 8 (Intelligence Gathering Satellite) is a Japanese optical reconnaissance satellite. The satellite is operated by the Cabinet Satellite Information Center. The satellite serves both Japan’s national defense and civil natural disaster monitoring.

VEHICLE
H-IIA
MISSION
IGS Optical 8
MISSION TYPE
Government/Top Secret
TARGET ORBIT
Sun-Synchronous Orbit
COUNTRY
JPN
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 46f4ff24-443b-46e3-b90d-ebae5dcdef37
Reported date: Jan 12, 2024 at 04:44 UTC
Last synced: 7 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
VARIANT
202
FLIGHTS
35
SUCCESSES
35
SUCCESS RATE
100%

H-IIA (H2A) is an active expendable launch system operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The liquid-fueled H-IIA rockets have been used to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, to launch a lunar orbiting spacecraft, and to launch Akatsuki, which studied the planet Venus. Launches occur at the Tanegashima Space Center.

When is the H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 launch?
The H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 is scheduled for Friday, January 12, 2024 at 4:44 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for IGS Optical 8?
The H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 mission uses the H-IIA rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The H-IIA has flown 35 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 launching from?
The launch takes place from Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1 at Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
What orbit is IGS Optical 8 going to?
The IGS Optical 8 mission is targeting Sun-Synchronous Orbit.
Who is launching IGS Optical 8?
The H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 is operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Can I watch the H-IIA 202 | IGS Optical 8 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 27, 2026 23:08 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 27, 2026 23:08 UTC
Launch date set: Jan 12, 2024 at 04:44 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mar 27, 2026 23:08 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 7 minutes ago
Launch Library 27 minutes ago
Launch ID: 46f4ff24-443b-46e3-b90d-ebae5dcdef37
Open-Meteo Weather16 hours ago
Pad weather at 30.4, 130.98

Mission Profile

IGS Optical 8 was a H-IIA 202 mission operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that lifted off from Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan on January 12, 2024. The flight carried its payload on a government/top secret mission to Sun-Synchronous Orbit. The launch was a success.