Japan has launched an experimental communications satellite as part of an ambitious space program that could help ensure super high-speed internet access in remote parts of Japan and elsewhere in Asia.

The H-2A rocket carrying the 2.7 tonne Kizuna communications satellite took off over the tiny island of Tanegashima, about 1,000 km south of Tokyo.

The launch had been briefly delayed after a ship strayed into restricted waters.

The satellite, equipped with three antennas targetting Japan, south-east Asia and the Pacific regions, is referred to as the Wideband InterNetworking engineering test and Demonstration Satellite or WINDS.

The geostationary satellite will be used to conduct experiments on large-volume, high-speed data communications on remote mountains and islands with little internet access.

Japan's scientists say the launch of WINDS will help the country build one of the world's most advanced information and telecommunications networks.

The launch comes 12 years after the project started, due mainly to technical glitches involving launch vehicles.

"The WINDS will help develop a society with no digital divide where everyone can enjoy high-speed communications equally no matter where they live," said an official at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

- Reuters