A multi-purpose satellite launched into space by a Japanese rocket is in orbit and appears to be operating properly, Japanese officials announced Wednesday. The MTSAT-1R weather and navigation satellite was launched on Saturday atop a Japanese H-2A rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. Tanegashima is a remote island about 1,200 kilometers (700 miles) south of Tokyo. "It is operating smoothly," said Katsutoshi Matsumoto of the land and transportation ministry. Japan is also considering a plan to establish a manned base on the moon by 2025.
