The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the University of Japan have decided to temporarily shut down Myanmar’s first satellite at the International Space Station on February 22, according to international media reports, citing Japanese university officials.
The satellite will be used by 70 percent of Myanmar’s rural farmers for agriculture and fisheries, and some Japanese human rights activists and officials have expressed concern that the satellite could be used by the military. The satellite was not intended for military use and was temporarily stored for non-military purposes.
Myanmar’s first satellite to the International Space Station, located more than 250 miles above the Earth’s surface, was launched by Japan as part of a joint project between the Myanmar Aerospace University and Japan’s Hokkaido University.
Currently, the Military Council has arrested Dr. Kyi Thwin, Rector of the Myanmar Aerospace University, for being a member of the CDM.