Japan launches the world's most advanced satellite

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on October 7, Japan successfully launched the Himawari-8 weather observing satellite from Tanegashima space center in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

The satellite launch is a Japanese effort to improve the accuracy of forecasting weather phenomena that can lead to natural disasters.

The H-2A rocket carries the Himawari-8 satellite leaving the launch pad.(Photo: Kyodo / TTXVN)

Himawari-8 satellite , made by Mitsubishi Electric Corp. manufactured, weighs about 3,500kg (including fuel-filled tank when placed on a launch pad) and is the latest generation weather observation satellite, equipped with advanced imaging equipment (AHI). This is the world's most technologically advanced observation device, allowing satellites to be observed in cloudy conditions and at night.

It also provides real-time images, true colors of clouds and high-resolution storms, measuring the amount of volcanic ash emitted into the air when the volcano is active.

Himawari-8 can also observe the weather conditions in an area on a regular basis, taking photos every 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes according to the current Himawari-7 satellite. Thus, Himawari-8 is expected to support and improve broad-scale hydro-meteorological activities, such as weather forecasting, climate monitoring, disaster prevention, air traffic control.

Himawari satellite is expected to officially start operating from July 2015. Japan also plans to launch Himawari-9 backup satellite in fiscal 2016.

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