SPACE.com -- Japan Launches Satellite to Track Greenhouse Gases

The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite, or GOSAT, was deployed from the upper stage of an H-2A rocket about 16 minutes after blastoff, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

GOSAT is also nicknamed Ibuki, which means "breath" in Japanese. Scientists say greenhouse gases are akin to the Earth's breath.

Greenhouse gases are produced by natural and human sources, including geological activity, biological activity and the burning of fossil fuels.

Scientists believe greenhouse gases trapped in Earth's atmosphere are responsible for rising global temperatures. Carbon gases can trap heat that would normally radiate into space, driving up the planet's average temperature, according to climate researchers.

That was the primary impetus behind the development of the $206 million mission.

SPACE.com -- Japan Launches Satellite to Track Greenhouse Gases