China has just turned up the volume on weather forecasting! 🎧🚀 On Wednesday, the Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), China's first precipitation measurement satellite in a low-inclination orbit, officially started its operations, according to the China Meteorological Administration.
Launched back on April 16, 2023, the FY-3G is a game-changer for meteorology buffs. 🌦️ It's all about unlocking the secrets of the skies, providing three-dimensional info on precipitation in middle and low latitudes. Think of it as giving us X-ray vision into weather patterns! 🕶️
This satellite doesn't just stop there. Its successful launch means China is now the only country rocking four civilian meteorological satellites in near-earth orbit all at once, covering morning, noon, afternoon, and inclined orbital paths. Talk about full coverage! 🛰️🛰️🛰️🛰️
\"Global observation of precipitation, especially in 3D, has always been a tough nut to crack in meteorology,\" said Chen Lin, deputy chief designer of the FY-3G ground system, in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). But with FY-3G, that challenge is getting a serious upgrade! 💪
After wrapping up over six months of trial operations since October 23, 2023, FY-3G proved it's got the right stuff. Everything from data reception to processing and archiving met the top standards. The satellite-ground system ran smoothly, and all systems were go! ✅
\"Throughout the year, the FY-3G has not only been a powerhouse for weather services during events like China's Universiade and Asian Games, but it's also helped monitor global disasters like floods in Pakistan, heavy rainfall in Brazil, and the recent downpours in Yemen,\" Chen added.
The Fengyun satellite fam has been China's pride and joy since 1988. With 21 satellites launched over two generations, nine are still cruising in orbit. 🌌 These satellites have pushed the envelope, reaching international advanced levels and even leading the pack with some of their tech.
With FY-3G joining the squad, China's taking weather watching to the next level. And for all of us who keep an eye on the skies—whether it's for surfing 🌊, hiking 🥾, or just trying to figure out if we need an umbrella ☂️—that's totally epic news!
Reference(s):
China's first precipitation measurement satellite starts operation
cgtn.com
