Delayed three times by bad weather, the H-2A rocket, carrying a radar satellite, finally lifted off from the southern island of Tanegashima.

    With its quartet of satellites now in orbit, Japan will be able to monitor any point on earth once each day.

    Japan's satellites can distinguish objects a meter or more in diameter.

    The next generation of optical satellites, which can detect objects as small as 40 centimeters, is scheduled to be launched in 2009.

    However, the system the Japanese government is betting on has its critics.

    Some say it is a waste of money. They point out the resolution is trivial compare with that of US spy satellites, which can detect objects as small as 10 centimeters on the ground.

    But the Liberal Democratic party of Japan claims a 1969 resolution adopted by Japan's parliament is an obstacle to the development of spy satellites.

    The ruling party put forward a bill in January to change that resolution. The LDP plans a final draft of the bill by August so it can be submitted to Japan's parliament next year.

    Analysts say if the government manages to do so, development of advanced spy satellites on the same level as the US are just a matter of time.

    (Source: CCTV.com)