Technology article 3/7/14 Japan launches GMP satellites

Japan on Friday successfully launched a new satellite in to orbit. This new satellite is suppose too track snow and rain more accurately then any other rain or snow tracking satellite. The rocket costs 900 million dollars and was funded by multiple private companies. The rocket uses sonar and microwave technology too detect falling snow for the first time as a test. The satellites will also use other data from other satellites to take a snapshot of world precipitation about every 3 hours. The new satellites is expected to last 25-30 yearss in space before needing refueling.