Himawari-3, also known as GMS-3 (Geostationary Meteorological Satellite-3), was a Japanese weather satellite operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) in collaboration with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA), which later became part of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The primary purpose of Himawari-3 (GMS-3) was to provide continuous weather monitoring and meteorological data for weather forecasting and disaster management. The satellite's observations played a crucial role in monitoring atmospheric phenomena, including cloud patterns, storms, and typhoons, in the Asia-Pacific region.