The FengYun 4 (FY-4) is China’s second-generation geosynchronous meteorological satellite currently under development. The satellite is three-axis stabilised with increased capabilities. 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. The development is still in its preliminary study stage.
Artist impression of the FengYun 4 in the orbit (Source: Chinese Internet)
