China's two meteorological satellites put into operation

BEIJING -- Two meteorological satellites, along with their ground application systems, have officially started operation, said the China Meteorological Administration on Thursday.

The trial operation of the two satellites, Fengyun 3E (FY 3E) and Fengyun 4B (FY 4B), began in June this year. They will provide observation data and application services to global users.

The FY 3E, launched on July 5, 2021, was the world's first meteorological satellite in early morning orbit for civil service.

The trial operation showed that the satellite improved the forecast deviation, strengthened the interaction between observation and forecast, and enhanced the accuracy of path prediction. Its data assimilation boosted the precipitation forecast capability of the numerical-prediction system.

The FY 3E will form a network with FY 3C and FY 3D to provide global coverage of observation data every six hours, improving the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts.

The FY 4B, launched on June 3, 2021, was China's first new-generation meteorological satellite in geostationary orbit. During the trial operation, it performed remarkably in the observation of rainfall, severe convection, and typhoons.

The satellite will network with the FY 4A to meet the needs of meteorological monitoring and forecasting, disaster prevention, and mitigation for China and the countries along the Belt and Road.

China has launched a total of 19 Fengyun meteorological satellites, seven of which are currently in orbit. They are providing data products and services to 124 countries and regions.