Exciting news from the world of space and meteorology! 🌦️ China has officially launched its first precipitation measurement satellite, the Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), into a low-inclination orbit. This cutting-edge satellite is now fully operational, marking a significant milestone for China's weather monitoring capabilities.
Launched on April 16, 2023, the FY-3G satellite is designed to enhance precipitation climatology research and provide systematic monitoring of disastrous weather events. 🌪️ Whether it’s tracking heavy rainfall, floods, or other extreme weather conditions, FY-3G offers three-dimensional precipitation data in middle and low latitude regions, giving meteorologists a more comprehensive view of weather patterns.
With the successful deployment of FY-3G, China becomes the only country operating four civilian meteorological satellites in near-earth orbit, each covering different orbital paths — morning, noon, afternoon, and inclined. This robust satellite network ensures continuous and reliable weather data collection around the clock. 🛰️💫
Chen Lin, deputy chief designer of the FY-3G ground system, highlighted the satellite's impressive performance during its over six months of trial operation since October 23, 2023. The system has remained stable, with all components functioning normally and meeting key performance indicators like data reception and processing. 📈
FY-3G has already played a crucial role in supporting weather services for major events like China’s Universiade and the Asian Games, as well as assisting in monitoring global disasters such as floods in Pakistan, heavy rainfall in Brazil, and recent heavy rainfall in Yemen. 🌍💪
The Fengyun meteorological satellite family, which began with its first launch in 1988, now boasts 21 satellites, with nine still in orbit. These satellites have positioned China at the forefront of meteorological technology, with advancements that lead the world in several areas. 🚀✨
