China to develop 3rd-generation weather satellite

BEIJING - China will develop the third-generation Fengyun series weather satellite to monitor meteorological changes more accurately and persistently to help tackle climate change.

The new sets will be able to monitor the meteorological system and different layers of the atmosphere in a long-term and more consistent way to provide scientific evidence for research on climate change, Yu Rucong, deputy director of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), said at a seminar on Monday.

They will collect data and images of the atmospheric temperature, humidity and wind with higher definition and accuracy to support more reliable weather forecasting, he said.

The satellites will also enhance the comprehensive monitoring of Earths environment and resources, according to Yu.

China has launched 11 Fengyun weather satellites over the past 40 years. Six are currently in operation.

(from China Daily)