TOKYO, Nov.2 (Xinhua) -- Japan on Wednesday launched a next-generation geostationary meteorological satellite "Himawari-9", aiming to improve weather forecasting in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. launched the Himawari-9 aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.31 (H-IIA F31) at 3:20 p.m. (0620 GMT) on Wednesday from JAXA's Tanegashima Space Center in Japan's southwestern Kagoshima prefecture.
