Space

Feng Yun 3 Earth Observation System

A second-generation LEO observation satellite called Feng Yun 3 is reportedly under development with substantially advanced multi spectral imaging systems (Reference 625).

The FY-3 series, the second generation of China's polar orbiting meteorological satellites is now in design phase. It is expected that the first satellite to be launched in 2004. The main mission objectives of the FY-3 are:

• To provide the global sounding of 3-dimensional atmospheric thermal and moisture structures and the cloud and precipitation parameters to support global numerical weather prediction.
• To provide global images to monitor large scale meteorological and/or hydrological disasters and biosphere environment anomaly.
• To provide important geophysical parameters to support study on global change and climate monitoring.
• To perform data collection.

To achieve above-mentioned objectives, a meteorological core payload with eight main instruments and two complementary instruments are considered