China launches its first satellite offering high-precision rainfall monitoring from space, Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, April 16, 2023. /China Media Group
China's first satellite allowing scientists to monitor the Earth's precipitation from space, Fengyun-3G (FY-3G), was sent into space on April 16. It is one of only three such satellites in the world.
The satellite, which is dedicated to measure precipitation on Earth, will help Chinese scientists to predict precipitation more accurately thanks to its launch on Sunday.
With a lifespan of six years, the FY-3G is developed by an institute of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, and its ground system will be built and operated by the China Meteorological Administration.
The 20th member of the Fengyun series, the FY-3G will highlight the strength of China's low-orbit meteorological satellite constellation and significantly improve the early warning capability for global rainstorms, said Chen Zhenlin, head of the central meteorological observatory.
In the past, precipitation data was obtained mainly by ground-based rain gauges and radar. However, equipment shortages and uneven distribution made it difficult to acquire large-scale and high-precision information.
Ground devices have blind spots, but satellites can overcome this deficiency, making data available for places where ground-based measurements are sparse, said Zhang Peng, deputy director of the National Satellite Meteorological Center.
To increase the accuracy of precipitation monitoring and early warning, scientists have also mounted dual-frequency precipitation measurement radar on FY-3G, which will enable the satellite to accurately observe a drizzle, even at an altitude of 407 kilometers.
Qian Bin, the chief designer of the FY-3G, said the satellite adopts a low-inclination orbit, with an inclination of 50 degrees. It will provide precipitation data mainly within the range of 50 degrees north latitude to 50 degrees south latitude.
In the next six months, FY-3G will undergo in-orbit tests and meet the challenges of meteorological disasters such as rainstorms and typhoons in the upcoming flood season, according to the meteorological administration.
China currently has eight Fengyun meteorological satellites in orbit, providing data and services to 126 countries and regions.
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(With input from Xinhua)