Progress of Fengyun Meteorological Satellites Since 2020

Abstract

China’s efforts to develop Fengyun meteorological satellites have made major strides over the past 50 years, with the polar and geostationary meteorological satellite series achieving continuously stable operation to persistently provide data and product services globally. By the end of 2021, 19 Chinese self-developed Fengyun meteorological satellites have been launched successfully. Seven of them are in operation at present, the data and products are widely applied to weather analysis, numerical weather forecasting and climate prediction, as well as environment and disaster monitoring. Since the last COSPAR report, FY-4B, the first new-generation operational geostationary satellite, and FY-3E, the first early-morning orbit satellite in China’s polar-orbiting meteorological satellite family have been launched in 2021. The characteristics of the two latest satellites and the instruments onboard are addressed in this report. The status of current Fengyun Satellites, product and data service and international cooperation and supporting activities has been introduced as well.