China launches professional weather satellite (Xinhua) Updated: 2004-10-19 14:04
China's first professional meteorological
satellite, Fengyun-2 batch 2 (FY2 O2) is launched with Long March carrier
rocket 3A in Xichang satellite launching center Tuesday morning, Oct.19,
2004. [Xinhua]
China's first professional meteorological
satellite, Fengyun-2 batch 2 (FY2 O2) is launched with Long March carrier
rocket 3A in Xichang satellite launching center Tuesday morning, Oct.19,
2004. [Xinhua]
China's first professional meteorological
satellite, Fengyun-2 batch 2 (FY2 O2) is launched with Long March carrier
rocket 3A in Xichang satellite launching center Tuesday morning, Oct.19,
2004. [Xinhua]
China launched its first professional geostationary orbit
meteorological satellite, Fengyun-2 C (FY2 O3),at 9:20 am Tuesday with Long
March carrier rocket 3A in Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern
province of Sichuan.
The 1.38-ton satellite, independently developed and manufactured by China,
entered its orbit 24 minutes after the takeoff of the rocket. In the following
days, it will be positioned at 105 degree east longitude right over the equator
with an observation scope covering one third of the earth's surface, according
to relevant scientists.
China has sent two experimental models of FY2 series in 1997 and 2000
respectively. With two new channels being added to its scan radiometer, the
second generation satellite, the FY2 C, has reached the international standard
of new generation weather satellites, relevant experts said.
The newly-added infrared observation and visible light channels will enable
FY2 C to observe the size of water drops atop cloud layers around-the-clock, and
to better monitor the surface temperature of sea water, experts said.
With greatly enhanced resolution and accuracy of observation, the new
satellite also has better access to data of oceanic meteorological and
hydrological information and monitor changes of solar and space particle
radiation, said experts.
China has launched seven weather satellites since 1988, including four FY1
polar orbit ones and three FY2 stationary earth synchronous orbit ones.
The FY2 C, the first professional geostationary orbit satellite launched by
China, is expected to help keep track of small scale disastrous climate changes
like hailstorms, and observe forest and prairie fires, foggy weather and
sandstorms.
In the coming years, China is scheduled to launch several FY2 professional
weather satellites to establish a continuously- operating system of weather
satellites.
