FengYun 2 Meteorological Satellite

Last updated: 22 April 2007

The FengYun-2 (FY-2) is the spin-stabilised geosynchronous meteorological satellite developed by Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology (SAST, also known as 8th Space Academy) and China Academy of Space Technology (CAST, also known as 5th Space Academy). The first experimental FY-2A was successfully launched in June 1997 and the first operational satellite FY-2C was launched in October 2004. A total of three operational satellites (C, D and E) were originally scheduled. However, an additional two satellites (F and G) are now required to fill the gap before the second-generation three-axis-stabilised FengYun 4 could be ready.

The FY-2 is 2.1m in diameter and 1.606m in height. The satellite weights 1,369kg at launch and 536kg in orbit. The satellite carries a scanning radiometer with an S-band and a UHF data transmitter. The two principal sensors work in visible and infrared spectrum, with best resolution of 1.25km and 5.0km respectively. A water vapour sensor was also carried onboard the satellite. The satellite normally operates at 105 degree E in geosynchronous orbit, with a designed life of three years.

Artist impression of the FengYun 2 in the orbit (Source: Chinese Internet)

FY-2 ("#01")

The FY-2 development began in the 1980s, with the first experimental satellite (manufacturer code #01) completed until 1994. However, during a final check-out before being mated to its CZ-3 launch vehicle, the satellite exploded, killing one worker and injuring 20 others. The satellite was completely destroyed and the workshop was also badly damaged. This has resulted in a three-year delay in the project.

FY-2A ("#02")

The second experimental satellite FY-2A (manufacturer code #02) was successfully launched by a CZ-3 booster from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre (XSLC) on 10 June 1997. The satellite, known as FY-2A after being sent into the orbit, was stationed in geosynchronous orbit at 105 deg E in 1997~2000. The FY-2A stopped transmission in April 1998 due to a problem with the S-band antenna on the satellite, but was put back into partial operation in December 1998. Its imager then failed completely on 30 September 1998 [1], but the satellite remained at its position until March 2000.

On 2~3 March the FY-2A satellite suffered from a de-spin problem and was forced to cease its operation. The satellite was then manoeuvred off-station over 105 deg E and was re-stabilised over ~85 deg E, and had remained there until late 2006. The satellite was thought to be retired by late 2006 but it started manoeuvre again in December 2006, and by January 2007 the satellite had been re-stabilised over 58~59 deg E. The satellite is currently still in the orbit [2].

FY-2B ("#03")

The third experimental satellite FY-2B (manufacturer code #03) was launched on 25 June 2000 by a CZ-3 booster from Xichang. The satellite was initially positioned at 105 deg E in geosynchronous orbit. Beijing Meteorological Satellite Ground Station received the first visible image from the satellite at 13:08 on 6 July 2000. On July 20, 2000 the infrared channels were opened. The operational broadcast of the satellite started on January 1, 2001. The S-VISSR data and WEFAX image are open to all users within the transmission coverage.

The satellite continued to operate over 104~105 deg E until August-September 2004 and was then manoeuvred off-station over 105 deg E and was re-stabilised over 123 deg E on 30 September 2004. The satellite continued to perform station-keeping manoeuvre until February 2006. After that the satellite started to drift off-station and has been retired [2].

FY-2C ("#04")

The first operational satellite, which was also the fourth satellite of the series (manufacturer code #04), the FY-2C was launched into orbit by an improved CZ-3A space launch vehicle from Xichang on 19 October 2004.  The satellite differs from the previous experimental designs in that its radiometer has five spectral channels. The satellite was stabilised over ~105 deg E on 25 October 2004. The ground station received the first image from the satellite on 1 January 2005. The satellites monitors the temperature and the clouds above China and neighbouring areas and is able to provide meteorological information for the Asia-Pacific region.

FY-2D ("#05")

The fifth satellite (manufacturer code #05) FY-2D was launched by a CZ-3A booster from Xichang on 8 December 2006. The ground station received the first image from the satellite at 14:00 on 12 January 2007. The satellite was positioned at the ‘back-up’ position 86.5 degree E. in geosynchronous orbit, covering most areas of Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the West Pacific. The satellite formed a ‘twin-star’ weather forecast network with the FY-2C to provide comprehensive weather information. Chinese media confirmed that the FY-2D will provide important weather forecast services for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Game.

FY-2E ("#06")

The sixth satellite is scheduled to be launched in 2008.

Gallery

Launch Records

(Special thank to Phillip S Clark for allowing to use materials in his Worldwide Satellite Launches)

Reference

1. FY-2, astronautix.com, http://www.astronautix.com/craft/fy2.htm
2. Phillip S Clark, Worldwide Satellite Launches, Volume 15, Issue 2, Issue Date 12 March 2007, Molniya Space Consultancy