OREANDA-NEWS. Himawari Operation Enterprise Corporation and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation announced the completion of the ground operations system for the Himawari-8 and Himawari-9 weather data transmission satellites. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) plans to launch Himawari-8 and -9 in Summer 2014 and 2016, respectively, to enhance public safety and security through relaying sophisticated weather data contributing to disaster prevention and monitoring global environment.

The ground operations system designed, built and installed by Mitsubishi Electric consists of antennas with a 9-meter diameter and radio frequency and satellite control equipment installed at the main unit in Hiki-gun, Saitama Prefecture, and the sub unit in Ebetsu, Hokkaido. Through their involvement in weather satellite operations, the two companies will continue to contribute to disaster prevention and monitoring global environment.

Himawari Operation Enterprise and Mitsubishi Electric will soon begin comprehensive system tests and personnel training for satellite operations for Himawari-8 under the supervision of JMA.

Mitsubishi Electric, which is contracted by JMA to build and deliver Himawari-8 and -9, received the manufacturing order for antennas with a 9-meter diameter, radio frequency equipment and satellite control equipment from Himawari Operation Enterprise in September 2010.