On 28 November, Japan launched another intelligence gathering satellite to monitor North Korea's military facilities.  The satellite is equipped with optical devises that are capable of distinguishing objects on the ground with a resolution of 60 centimeters.  The new satellite is said to provide Japan with the highest-definition photographs of all the satellites previously launched.  Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, who is in charge of the country's space development, announced that the new optical satellite is the "core of the satellite system for Japan's security. It's important for Japan to gather intelligence on its own."  The country is planning to launch two more satellites in 2011.