China successfully launched its first satellite of a new generation meteorological satellite into planned orbit. This satellite, named as Fengyun-4B (FY-48), will be used for fields of weather analysis, environmental and disaster monitoring.
Fengyun-48
This satellite was launched by Long March-3B rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province. It is the first of China’s new-generation meteorological satellites which will be used for weather analysis & forecasting, environmental and disaster monitoring.
Significance of new satellite
Fengyun-48 satellite will strengthen observation and response capability of small & medium scale disaster events and provide information security services in sectors including agriculture, meteorological, marine, aviation, and environmental protection. It will also conduct dynamic monitoring and tracking of several disaster elements like cold fronts, floods, droughts and sand storms. It will also improve forecast accuracy of disaster weather like typhoons and storms of China. It also comprises of a rapid imager which can improve measurement resolution to 250 meters from geostationary orbit and accelerate scan imaging of Earth.
Which areas will it cover?
Observation range of the satellite include Asia, central Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean regions.