Japan
Selects H-IIA To Launch MTSat Replacement
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The
Japanese Transport Ministry has selected the H-IIA to launch MTSat
1, a replacement of the multipurpose satellite lost in 1999, into
space in fiscal 2002. The satellite is being manufactured by  Space
Systems/Loral. The ministry considered switching to a non-Japanese
rocket, but finally opted for the government policy of
"Japanese satellite on Japanese rocket" and has given the
National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) another chance.
The ministry warned that it will have to switch to Europe's
Arianespace for the satellite launch if NASDA fails to ready the
H-IIA rocket on schedule, because the current weather observation
satellite, Himawari, needs to be replaced, since its design life has
already been exceeded.
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