Himawari 8 – Spaceflight Now

H-2A rocket launch in photos

October 8, 2014

A Japanese weather satellite launched Tuesday aboard an H-2A rocket, beginning a mission to monitor tropical cyclones and storm systems over East Asia and the Western Pacific.

H-2A rocket boosts Japanese weather satellite into orbit

October 7, 2014

Japan has launched a next-generation geostationary weather satellite on the 25th flight of the country’s H-2A rocket, deploying an upgraded meteorological observatory critical to the minute-by-minute tracking of tropical cyclones and other storm systems across the Asia-Pacific.

Upgraded Japanese weather satellite set for launch

October 6, 2014

A space-based weather monitor, equipped with upgraded instruments for more detailed and timely data on tropical cyclones and thunderstorms, is scheduled for launch Tuesday on top of Japan’s 25th H-2A rocket.

H-2A rolls out to launch pad

October 6, 2014

Photos of the H-2A rocket’s rollout to the launch pad at the Tanegashima Space Center with the Himawari 8 weather satellite.

H-2A rocket diagram

October 6, 2014

The H-2A rocket, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, features twin solid rocket boosters and two stages burning a mix of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants.

H-2A rocket ground track

October 6, 2014

Check out the ground track the H-2A rocket will follow on its launch of the Himawari 8 weather satellite.