China’s latest meteorological satellite, the Fengyun-3F, has officially commenced operational service, marking a significant advancement in global weather observation and forecasting capabilities.
The satellite, launched on August 3, 2023, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, is the seventh in the Fengyun-3 series and the third sun-synchronous morning orbit satellite in the series. After successfully completing in-orbit testing on October 23, the Fengyun-3F is now fully operational, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).
Equipped with ten advanced instruments, the Fengyun-3F provides comprehensive full-spectrum, quantitative observations. Its capabilities extend beyond global atmospheric monitoring to detailed assessments of Earth’s surface environment. The satellite significantly enhances the accuracy of key observational benchmarks, including measurements of Earth’s radiation balance, which are crucial for understanding climate change and weather patterns.
“The operational deployment of Fengyun-3F represents a leap forward in our ability to predict and monitor weather events on a global scale,” stated a spokesperson from the CMA. “The data collected will not only benefit the Chinese mainland but also contribute to international meteorological services.”
The Fengyun series satellites have been instrumental in supporting weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental observations. The new satellite’s advanced technologies are expected to improve disaster prevention and mitigation efforts by providing timely and precise meteorological data.
This development underscores China’s growing role in contributing to global meteorological research and services. The data from Fengyun-3F will be shared with international organizations and countries worldwide, aiding in collaborative efforts to address climate change and natural disasters.
Reference(s):
Fengyun-3F meteorological satellite officially starts operation
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