Japan launches new weather satellite

08/10/2014

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has yesterday launched a new satellite that will provide valuable weather data for Australia and the Pacific when it comes online in mid-2015.

Congratulating Japan on the launch, Bureau of Meteorology Assistant Director Observations, Dr Anthony Rea, said the new satellite, called Himawari-8, represents the first in a new generation of satellites.

"Himawari-8 will provide an upgrade in service that could be compared with switching a television from black and white to colour, and from analogue to digital, at the same time," Dr Rea said.

The satellite will be positioned more than 35,000 kilometres above the equator at a longitude of approximately 140°E.

"Following calibration and testing of the various systems and observing equipment, Himawari-8 will begin sending data back to Japan. From there, data will be sent to the Bureau of Meteorology via a high speed internet link.

"Himawari-8 will enable unprecedented precision in monitoring tropical cyclones, the detection of rapidly developing thunderstorms, and detailed sea surface temperature data,” he said.

Dr Rea expressed his gratitude to Japan for making data from the new satellite available to Australia, as it has done with previous satellites over recent decades.

"Meteorological satellites enable forecasters to monitor the atmosphere over oceans, deserts and mountains where surface-based observations are difficult to obtain. Without the cooperation of Japan, the Australian community would not have access to this valuable information which assists the Bureau in the delivery of accurate forecasts.

"We wish the JMA every success as they bring Himawari-8 to its full meteorological observing potential," Dr Rea said.

Go to JMA Himawari-8 meteorological satellite for further information.