China plans more meteorological satellites by 2025

XICHANG — China plans to send 11 more meteorological satellites into orbit by 2025 to further improve its weather forecasting accuracy and ability to cope with natural hazards, according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA).

The planned satellites include three Fengyun-3 satellites in polar orbit, two Fengyun-4 satellites in geostationary orbit, one dawn-dusk orbit climate satellite, one high-precision greenhouse gas detection satellite and one hyper-spectral satellite.

China also aims to send a microwave detection satellite into the geostationary orbit to enhance its ability to predict and monitor fast-changing typhoons, rainstorms and other extreme weather. The satellite will work with the Fengyun-4 series to improve forecasting of rainfall and climate.

A precipitation radar measurement satellite is also planned to improve the accuracy of numerical forecasting of precipitation.

China already has 17 Fengyun series meteorological satellites in space, with eight in operation, including five in geostationary orbit and three in polar orbit to observe extreme weather, climate and environment events around the globe.

The Fengyun series meteorological satellites provide data to clients in more than 80 countries and regions. Weather forecasts in the eastern hemisphere mainly depend on China’s meteorological satellites, according to the CNSA.