The Japanese Geostationary Meteorological Satellite (GMS) series, also known as its nickname, "Himawari" (meaning a "sunflower"), is on the geostationary orbit at 140 degrees of east longitude to carry out weather observation from space being part of the World Weather Watch (WWW) project of the World Meteorological Organization. The images of the earth and clouds sent from this satellite series have been used in many areas such as weather forecasts in TV or newspaper; therefore, it is strongly connected to our daily life.
After the "Himawari-6", the GMS series was replaced by a Multifunctional Transport Satellite series to broaden its scope of operation. It is operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency for climatic observation.

Main Characteristics

Himawari(GMS)

Launch Date	7/14/1977
Launch Vehicle	Dalta Laucnh Vehicle (U.S.)
Launch Site	Kennedy Space Center
Initial weight after stationing	325kg

Himawari-2(GMS-2)

Launch Date	8/11/1981
Launch Vehicle	N-II Launch Vehicle (N8F)
Launch Site	Tanegashima Space Center
Initial weight after stationing	296kg

Himawari-3(GMS-3)

Launch Date	8/3/1984
Launch Vehicle	N-II Launch Vehicle (N13F)
Launch Site	Tanegashima Space Center
Initial weight after stationing	303kg

Himawari-4(GMS-4)

Launch Date	9/6/1989
Launch Vehicle	H-I Launch Vehicle (H20F)
Launch Site	Tanegashima Space Center
Initial weight after stationing	325kg
Attitude control	Spin-stabilized
Design life	5 years
Dimensions	Cylindrical, Diameter: 214.6cm Height: (before AKM separation)444.1c, (after AKM separation)345.1cm

Himawari-5(GMS-5)

Launch Date	3/18/1995
Launch Vehicle	H-II Launch Vehicle (3F)
Launch Site	Tanegashima Space Center
Weight	747kg (at launch), 344kg (beginning of life)
Attitude control	Spin-stabilized
Design life	5 years
Dimensions	Cylindrical, Diameter: 214.6cm Height: (before AKM separation)444.1cm, (after AKM separation)353.9cm