Japan launch weather satellite into space

Japan has launched a next-generation meteorological satellite Himawari-9, aiming to further improve weather services.

weather satellite "Himawari-9" — Japan has launched a next-generation meteorological satellite aimed at improving weather services. (AAP)

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Published 3 November 2016 8:18am

Source: AAP

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Japan has successfully launched a weather satellite into space to help improve cyclone monitoring in Asia and Oceania.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAEA) said the H-2A rocket carrying the Himawari-9 weather satellite lifted off from Tanegashima Space Centre in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after Tuesday's scheduled launch was delayed by bad weather.

The Himawari-9 has a high-spec camera, more than three times more observational bands than the existing Himawari-8 satellite and is expected to be fully operational by 2022, JAEA said.

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