FengYun 3 Meteorological Satellite

Last updated: 21 January 2007

The FengYun 3 (FY-3) is the new-generation polar orbit meteorological satellite to replace the FengYun 1 (FY-1). The satellite is currently being developed by Shanghai Academy of Space Flight Technology (SAST), also known as 8th Space Academy. The FY-3 project was initially approved in 1998 and entered full-scale development in 1999. Key aspects of the FY-3 project include collecting atmospheric data for intermediate- and long-term weather forecasting and global climate research.

Artist impression of the FengYun 3 in space (Source: Chinese Internet)

According to SAST, the three-axis stabilised FY-3 would be equipped with new global, all-weather, multi-spectral, three-dimensional sensors. With a total mass of 2,450kg, the satellite was said to be comparable in performance and technology to the U.S. NPOESS and European METOP satellite. The first batch include two experimental satellites: the FY-3A scheduled to be launched in 2006~07, and FY-3B possibly in 2008~09. The second batch will include six operational satellites: three AM satellites FY-3C (FY-3/AM1), FY-3E (FY-3/AM2), FY-3G (FY-3/AM3); and three PM satellites FY-3D (FY-3/PM1), FY-3F (FY-3/PM2), FY-3H (FY-3/PM3). Three low-orbit (~400km), large-inclination (50~60 degree) variant satellites will also be launched to observe rainfall information on the Earth. An AM variant satellite, a PM variant satellite, and a low-orbit variant satellite will be launched within a short period to form a complete Earth observation network, which can provide comprehensive remotely-sensed meteorological and space environmental data. The last three satellites are expected to remain operational until 2021.

The FY-3 will carry 11 remote sensing sensors, operating in spectrum from the ultraviolet to the far infrared. Its payload includes optical scanning radiometer, infrared spectrometer, medium-resolution imaging spectrometer, microwave thermometer, microwave hygrometer, microwave imager, vertical ozone ultraviolet (UV) detectors, overall ozone UV detectors, solar radiation intensity monitor, Earth radiation detectors, and space environment monitor. These equipment can obtain the 3D stereo vertical distribution atmospheric temperature and humidity, as well as information on the Earth ozone.

The FY-3 operates at an altitude of 836~870km and has a designed life of three years. The satellite will circle in polar orbit 14 times everyday, covering the whole globe twice a day. The system swath of its optical-mechanical scanners is 3,000km with a 250m resolution in the High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) mode. The satellite has two X-band transmitters (one real-time and one delayed) and an L-band transmitter (real-time).

Unlike the FY-1 which was powered by a pair of solar panels, the FY-3 will be powered by a single solar panel so that a side of the satellite can remain facing away from the Sun to cool the system. This will require more advanced stabilisation and control techniques.

The FY-3 will be launched by a modified CZ-4B booster with an enlarged 3.8m diameter fairing from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre.

A FengYun 3 satellite mockup displayed during the Zhuhai Air Show (Source: Chinese Internet)

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