FengYun 4 Meteorological Satellite

The FengYun 4 (FY-4) is China’s second-generation geosynchronous meteorological satellite, currently developed by CAST. The satellite is three-axis stabilised, with increased capabilities. Chinese scientists believe that once operational, the FY-4 could help China forecast weather, climate, environment and natural disasters more accurately.

The FY-4 will be developed in two variants, carrying optical and microwave sensors respectively. The optical variant will include two satellites FY-4-‘East’, which will cover a region including western China, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Middle East; and FY-4-‘West’, which will cover a region including middle and eastern China and the Pacific. The microwave variant FY-4 will cover China and its peripheral areas.

On 11 October 2008, Yu Rucong the Vice Director of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) revealed that a total of six FY-4 satellites were planned, with the first satellite scheduled to be launched as early as 2013.

Last update: 15 October 2008