Japan to monitor GHG by satellites

Japan launched a satellite on Friday to monitor greenhouse gases along with seven smaller satellites in a mission that could boost business for the country's cash-hungry space program.

The H-2A rocket, carrying the biggest number of satellites ever for a Japanese rocket, took off from the tiny island of Tanegashima 1,000 km south of Tokyo, after a delay of two days because of poor weather.

"The satellite will contribute to tackling the universal issue of global warming," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura.