The WNISAT-1R microsatellite was launched on board a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Friday afternoon, according to the weather information service provider, based in the city of Chiba, east of Tokyo.

 The company confirmed the microsatellite operated normally, based on radio signals received from it on Friday night.

 The cube-shaped satellite, which measures some 50 centimeters on each side and was developed mainly by the company, has four cameras sensitive to visible and near-infrared light.

 It will monitor in detail the ice on sea areas off the coast of northwestern Russia, Canada and Alaska.

 In recent years, global warming has made it easier to use the Northern Sea Route, connecting East Asia and Europe, in summer. As a result, demand is increasing for observation data on the sea ice in the areas. (Jiji Press)