Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite "IBUKI" (GOSAT) along with 7 smaller satellites aboard the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 15 (H-IIA F15) at 12:54:00 p.m. on January, 23, 2009 from the Tanegashima Space Center.
The main satellite will enable scientists to calculate the density of carbon dioxide and methane from 56,000 locations on the Earth's surface, which Japanese officials hope will contribute to global efforts to tackle climate change.
Japan is one of the leading space-faring nations and launched its first satellite in 1970. The mission is also a test for Japan as it sets its sights on the satellite-launch business in the face of competition from Europe, USA and Russia, China and India.
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