China successfully launched the Fengyun-3 08 meteorological satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Saturday, marking a significant leap in global weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities. The satellite, carried by a Long March-4C rocket, entered its preset sun-synchronous orbit after a pre-dawn liftoff at 3:28 a.m., according to state media reports.
Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, the Fengyun-3 08 features nine cutting-edge remote sensing instruments, including a microwave imager and an infrared hyperspectral atmospheric detector. Its 100-kilometer-wide high-precision greenhouse gas detection system represents an unprecedented scale in environmental monitoring technology.
The satellite will collaborate with two existing Fengyun satellites to achieve full global coverage of observational data. This network is expected to slash weather data update times for forecasting models from six to four hours while extending prediction windows by approximately 24 hours. Disaster monitoring efficiency could improve by nearly 100%, offering critical advantages for climate-vulnerable regions across Asia and beyond.
With its ability to conduct atmospheric chemistry analysis and track climate patterns, the satellite aligns with global green initiatives by providing essential data for carbon reduction strategies. The Long March-4C rocket, capable of carrying 3-ton payloads to 700-kilometer orbits, completed its 596th mission in China's expanding space program.
This launch underscores China's growing role in international climate science cooperation, offering enhanced tools for researchers and policymakers addressing environmental challenges. The technological advancements could particularly benefit Asia's agricultural sectors and coastal communities through improved typhoon tracking and extreme weather preparedness.
