28622 - HIMAWARI-6 (MTSAT-1R)

MTSAT-1R is a Japanese geostationary weather satellite that was launched by a H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima prefecture at 09:25 UT on 2005 February 26. The 1.78-ton satellite will make continuous observations of Earth's surface and cloud cover. Another package on-board will relay transmissions from mobile telephones. It is expected to replace HIMAWARI 5 after parking over 140 degrees E longitude.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2005-02-26
Launch Vehicle: H-2A
Launch Site: Tanegashima, Japan