Japan is looking into launching a reconnaissance satellite to improve its ability to gather security information. The move comes despite a long-standing parliamentary resolution criticizing the 'militarization' of space, and follows last month's firing of a North Korean missile over Japanese territory into the Pacific Ocean. Fears that North Korea had test-launched a three-stage ballistic missile on 31 August put Japan on a high-security alert. North Korea says it was actually launching a 'singing satellite' for peaceful purposes — such as broadcasting patriotic songs in praise of 'dear leader' Kim Jong-il. It is believed to have used a multi-stage missile with an estimated range of 2,000 kilometres.
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