Japan has launched a new weather satellite into orbit.<br /><br /> The Himawari 9, meaning sunflower, has begun a 15-year mission to track cyclones and storm movements across the Asia-Pacific region.<br /><br /> The rocket carrying the satellite blasted off from the Tanegashima island space center, decorated with two pieces of artwork.<br /><br /> The manga cartoons made from 30,000 digital images from school pupils across the country aimed to get children interested in the wonders of the cosmos.<br /><br /> Advanced Weather Satellite rides into Orbit atop Japan’s #HIIA Rocket – https://t.co/NYUmEXLZOV #Himawari9 pic.twitter.com/XE9v6k5lSy— Spaceflight101 (@Spaceflight101) November 2, 2016<br />
