Himawari-7 (MTSAT-2)
Launch SuccessfulLaunch Details
Date: 18 Feb 2006, 06:27 am UTC
Rocket: H-IIA (H-II)
Provider: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
Mission
Type: Earth Science
Orbit: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Pad: Yoshinobu Launch Complex LP-1, Tanegashima Space Center, Japan
Mission Description
The MTSAT-2 (Multifunctional Transport Satellite) is a multi-functional satellite with a dual purpose. On the one hand, it is an integral part of a next-generation global-scale air traffic safety system comprised of communications, navigation, tracking and air traffic control. The purpose is to improve traffic congestion and safety in the Asia Pacific region. On the other hand, the MTSAT-2 is designed to take on a meteorological mission to capture, collect and deliver meteorological images and/or data. In this capacity it inherits and expands the mission of a previous satellite.